LOGAN — A 35-year-old Ogden man is being held in the Cache County Jail after leading law enforcement on a chase through west Logan while allegedly under the influence, according to prosecutors. Matthew David Rutherford was taken into custody following multiple attempts to pull him over Wednesday afternoon.
Rutherford made an initial appearance Friday in Logan’s 1st District Court, appearing by web conference from jail. He was charged with three counts of failing to stop at the command of police, a third-degree felony, along with misdemeanors for driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, the incident began when Rutherford’s employer suspected he was consuming alcohol on the job and requested he accompany them to a clinic for a drug and alcohol exam. The man allegedly refused, ran to his gray Toyota Tacoma, and drove away. His employer immediately called 911, expressing concern that Rutherford was driving intoxicated and could hurt himself or others.
Logan City Police initially located Rutherford’s vehicle and activated their emergency lights, but he evaded them at a slow speed, prompting officers to terminate the pursuit. A North Park Police officer subsequently found Rutherford driving well under the posted speed limit and initiated a traffic stop with lights and sirens.
Rutherford allegedly ignored the officer’s commands, continuing to drive below the speed limit, driving along 1000 West, stopping at stop signs, and at one point driving past his place of employment. The officer eventually terminated the pursuit due to heavy traffic from people getting off work and school.
Deputies with the Cache County Sheriff’s Office later had to forcibly stop Rutherford’s vehicle to prevent him from potentially harming himself or others.
During Friday’s court hearing, Cache County Deputy Attorney Andrew Crane asked for Rutherford to be held in jail without bail. He noted how the suspect was previously convicted of driving under the influence in 2023.
Defense attorney Ryan Hansen argued that this was not a high-speed chase and Rutherford was obeying traffic lights and speeds. He also said his client has no history of violence.
After reviewing the evidence, Judge Spencer Walsh sided with the prosecution, saying Rutherford would be a danger to the community if released on bail. He ordered the Ogden man to remain in jail and appear again in court April 27.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.