Woman suspected of check fraud arrested with stolen gun, police say

Police in Salt Lake City are investigating a woman, 39-year-old Karlaya Lynn Yazzie, for check fraud after she attempted to evade officers in her vehicle. During the pursuit, she was found in possession of forged checks and a stolen firearm. Another individual who assisted her in fleeing was also arrested, though their identity has not been disclosed.

The events unfolded when an officer, conducting surveillance as part of a check fraud investigation, spotted Yazzie's Ford Expedition and attempted a traffic stop. Rather than stopping, Yazzie fled the scene. The police did not pursue her but instead utilized aerial surveillance, tracking her movements to a location in Murray where she transferred bags from her Ford to a Chrysler 200.

After a brief stop at a McDonald's, where Yazzie entered the restaurant, police apprehended her without incident while the driver of the Chrysler attempted to escape. This driver rammed into police vehicles during their flight but was eventually located after abandoning the car and hiding in a nearby shed, with assistance from the helicopter surveillance.

Upon searching the bags Yazzie had transferred, officers discovered the forged checks and a firearm. Notably, Yazzie is classified as a category one restricted person, prohibiting her from possessing a firearm. She told police that the gun might belong to someone else and admitted uncertainty about its legality.

Yazzie's decision to flee stemmed from her awareness of outstanding warrants for her arrest, as she is listed as a parole fugitive. She now faces multiple charges, including theft or receiving a firearm, possession of a firearm as a restricted person, and forgery.