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Video shows wild chase with reckless motorcyclist through multiple Utah counties

Posted at 11:16 AM, Jun 14, 2023
and last updated 2023-06-14 19:54:46-04

SALT LAKE CITY — A motorcyclist who officials called "dangerous" and "reckless" was arrested after weeks of investigation and newly released helicopter video shows him illegally passing cars, nearly hitting a pedestrian and running red lights.

Magna resident Richard Goulet, 42, was booked into the Weber County Jail on one count of failing to stop at the command of police and for not having a license plate on his motorcycle.

Watch extended video of motorcycle chase below:

reckless motorcyclist arrest helicopter vid

On May 21, Utah Highway Patrol Troopers asked for the public's help in identifying a motorcycle rider who they said fled from a traffic stop on Trapper's Loop and drove away at "recklessly" high speeds.

At the time of the stop, officials said Goulet was driving at speeds over 100 miles per hour. The Department of Public Safety helicopter later captured his speed at 138 miles per hour.

According to Utah High Patrol Assistant Chief, no one was hurt.

“It’s unbelievable," he said. "Just kind of leaves you speechless that somebody would think that that would be okay, to number one, run from police and then number two, do it in a manner which he did it, which was incredibly dumb.”

Newly released video from the helicopter shows Goulet weaving around cars, illegally passing vehicles, running red lights and nearly hitting a pedestrian.

reckless motorcyclist arrest helicopter vid

The helicopter began following Goulet in Weber County, tracking him onto I-84 and then southbound on I-15 into Davis County. Then he traveled onto I-80 westbound toward Tooele and exited at State Route 201.

The helicopter eventually lost sight of Goulet near Lake Park and Day Burry off 5600 West in Salt Lake County.

“Passing over double yellow lines.. he was actually passing around slower traffic, going into oncoming traffic in curves," said Nigbur. "If he goes head-on with somebody, that has the potential to harm the innocent victims coming around the corner and have no idea what’s going on.”

In total, the chase spanned a distance of more than 70 miles across three Utah counties.

After the incident, an investigation was initiated by the State Bureau of Investigation to identify the motorcycle rider.

More than three weeks later, Goulet was identified as the rider and subsequently booked into jail.

Officials said more charges may be pending as the event is still under review.