A Man Parks A Bicycle, Goes Inside A Store, And Another Man Gets On It And Takes Off

Posted by Travis Uresk | May 23rd, 23 | Drugs & Warrants |

By Travis Uresk

5/23/23

Vernal, Ut.-On 5/20/23, Sgt. Gledhill observed a male riding a bicycle who arrived at B's Gas Station on 500 West. The Officer watched the male walk into the store, and minutes later, another male walked up to the bike and started walking around the store with the bike.

Sgt. Gledhill suspected he may have just witnessed a theft and pulled around to the back of the store. The male was now riding the bicycle in the Motel parking lot. The Officer made contact with the male suspect and asked about the bike. He stated that the bike belonged to him and the other male had borrowed the bike.

The male subject was identified as 22-year-old Rison Perenise Vagana.

While speaking with Rison, the Officer could smell the odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Rison's information was checked, and two warrants were issued for his arrest.

Sgt. Gledhill attempted to place Rison into custody and began to stiffen his arms and try to pull away to the point he couldn't release one of his hands to grab his handcuffs. Rison began to argue with the Officer and attempted to pull his arms away and turn around.

The Officer called for assistance, and a UHP Trooper arrived on scene to help physically place Rison against the patrol vehicle and place handcuffs on him.

A Deputy made contact with the man who first had the bike, and when asked about the bike, this male lied and stated that he didn't know about the bike and walked off.

Rison's family arrived on scene and stated that the bike belonged to Rison and that a homeless male named Joe had borrowed the bike earlier. The area was searched for the homeless man, but he was not located.

The bicycle was released to Rison’s family, and he was transported to the Uintah County Jail.

During the booking process, Rison's information was checked, and it was found that he was on court-ordered probation with the 8th District Court and had a no-alcohol clause. A search of Rison's wallet was a piece of plastic containing suspected methamphetamine and a plastic methamphetamine scooper.