A repeat DUI offender is being held without bail after leaving the scene of an accident in Uintah County at 3500 West on SR-121. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, officers were dispatched to the traffic accident between a white sedan and blue Chevy pickup on September 15th but were informed that the blue Chevy had left the scene traveling west on SR-121. One of the witnesses of the accident followed the blue Chevy and observed it pull off the road near mile marker 32 where 2 individuals got out and attempted to change the front driver’s side tire that was damaged in the accident. The witness observed a red Toyota Tacoma stop, offering to help the occupants of the blue Chevy. The pair got into the red Toyota which started traveling west again towards Lapoint. The witness provided all the information to dispatch and an officer conducted a traffic stop on the red Toyota near mile marker 27. The officer explained the reason for the stop and the front passenger said he was the driver who left the traffic accident and that the driver of the red Toyota had offered to help but did not know that the pair had fled an accident scene. 43-year-old Cerone Clarance Harris was asked to step out of the vehicle and was asked to explain what had happened. Harris said he just did not want to wait at the accident scene and had decided to go home. The officer observed signs that Harris was intoxicated and performed field sobriety testing. Based on those results and having tested positive for alcohol on a breath test, it was determined that Harris was not safe to be driving. A records check showed he had 2 warrants for his arrest, a denied driver’s license, and previous felony conviction for DUI. Harris’ backpack in the red Tacoma contained 2 loaded handgun magazines and a black handgun was discovered inside the blue Chevy pickup. It was learned that the driver of the white sedan in the accident had been transported to the hospital due to injuries. Cerone Harris was transported to Uintah County Jail and is charged with felony weapon and DUI charges, as well as Misdemeanor charges for failing to remain at the scene and being an alcohol restricted driver with a denied license.
