SALT LAKE CITY – A suspect and a victim are both in the hospital after the driver of a stolen car fled from police and crashed into a passerby’s vehicle Tuesday night in Salt Lake City.

Rick Bork | FOX 13 News

The incident began as part of a stolen vehicle investigation by West Valley City police. Detectives spotted the car and followed it into SLC with unmarked police cars and the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter.

Around 8:45 p.m., the stolen car stopped near 1100 West and 500 North and the occupants got out. At this point, the officers decided it was the best time to make a traffic stop and approached the car, according to Lt. Steve Beardshall WVCPD, who has been part of the incident since the beginning.

Several passengers fled on foot, but the driver got back into the car and drove off. Officers did not pursue the suspect, but the DPS helicopter was still there and tracked the stolen car.

Then, just a few blocks away, the suspect was fleeing north on 900 West when he crashed into a civilian’s vehicle at 300 North.

Rick Bork | FOX 13 News

Rick Bork | FOX 13 News

The suspect was taken to the hospital in police custody; the driver of the other car was also taken to the hospital. Both were reported to be in stable condition.

The passengers who fled were caught and are in custody. Details of any arrests were not immediately known, but Beardshall told reporters he anticipates some arrests as the WVCPD continues to investigate.

VIDEO BELOW: West Valley City Police Lieutenant discusses the topic of choosing whether to pursue a fleeing suspect in a residential area

Decision to pursue or not