13-year-old killed in West Jordan hit-and-run identified

UPDATED 4/27/22

WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) – More details have been released on Wednesday after a hit-and-run crash killed a 13-year-old boy in West Jordan on Tuesday night.

West Jordan Police have arrested Mason Andrews Ohms, 50, from Saratoga Springs in the fatal auto-ped crash.

The 13-year-old victim has been identified as Eli Mitchell of West Jordan. Police say he was a student at West Jordan Middle School.

The family has also released a statement following the death of the 13-year-old:

“The family and friends of Eli Mitchell grieve following his death on April 26, 2022, due to a tragic auto-bicycle accident in West Jordan, Utah. Eli, age 13, was riding his bicycle home after buying treats at a local grocery store.

Eli was a kind, loving, jovial and friendly young man who had many friends. At the time of his death, he was doing two of his favorite things: riding his bicycle and having treats. Eli also loved outdoor activities including snowboarding, riding ATV’s, camping, video games, airsoft wars and activities with his friends. He was an avid reader and adults around him often had to look up words he used. Spending time with his family was so important to him. He was very close to his 16-year-old sister.

While grieving, the family takes comfort in knowing that we all see Eli again. Eli was a person of great faith for his age. Hopefully others will benefit from this tragedy as Eli was an organ donor.

Parents Jeremy and Lisa Mitchell, and the entire family, wish to express gratitude to the bystanders who tried to revive Eli along with the outstanding service beyond the call of duty from the West Jordan Police Department and paramedics. We will be forever grateful to the many unknown individuals who tried to assist him and recognize this likely had an impact on them. We also express appreciation for the great outpouring of support and sympathy from the community.

The family requests privacy during this time of mourning.”

West Jordan Middle School has released a statement on Mitchell’s death saying:

“Sadly, one of our students, Eli Mitchell, died tragically in an accident last night. Eli is a beloved member of our school and will be dearly missed. Our hearts are with Eli’s family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Again, we are very saddened by this loss. Eli will always be a part of our school family. Please know that our school family is always here to support you and your family, especially during this difficult time.”

School administrators are currently offering parents, staff and students counseling resources. Those seeking additional support can call the 24/7 crisis line at (801) 587-3000 or visit the school district’s mental health website.

Eli Mitchell (Courtesy of West Jordan Police Department)

The fatal incident happened near 1510 West 9000 South when the boy was struck by a pickup truck while he was riding a bicycle.

Officers say Ohms was making a right-hand turn when he collided with the boy in the crosswalk section. Police say the boy’s bicycle was dragged underneath the truck as Ohms continued driving away, fleeing the scene.

Bystanders administered life-saving measures and CPR to the victim, who was unconscious at the time.

Witnesses say Ohms later pulled over in a parking lot, stepped out of his vehicle to remove the bicycle lodged underneath his truck before hopping back into his car and driving away.

Police tracked down Ohms after surveillance camera footage and eyewitness photographs caught his license plate. When officers arrived at Ohm’s residence, his wife tried calling him but he didn’t answer. She discovered Ohms had turned off his smartphone’s GPS locating tracker at the time. Eventually, contact was made with Ohms and he returned to his residence.

Upon approaching, officers noted Ohms appeared “very panicked” and told police he parked his truck at the ned of his neighborhood “because he was panicked and knew the police were at his house,” according to arresting documents.

When authorities questioned Ohms about the hit-and-run crash, he reportedly told police, “I felt a bump and did not know what it was.” During the arrest, officers noted a “distinct and overwhelming odor of an alcoholic beverage” while officers were seated next to him in a patrol vehicle.

According to arrest records, Ohm has an extensive history of previous offenses including driving under the influence, assault against a police officer, impersonation of a police officer, battery and more dating back to at least 1992.

Ohms has been arrested on two charges including automobile homicide and failure to remain at an accident involving death.

He is currently booked at the Salt Lake County Jail.

UPDATED 4/27/22 6:13 AM

WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) – A man arrested for a hit-and-run crash that killed a 13-year-old boy in West Jordan has been identified on Wednesday morning.

West Jordan Police say the suspect arrested is Mason Andrews Ohms, 50, from Saratoga Springs.

Police say Ohms is “facing charges related to Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving a Fatality and Automobile Homicide.”

“We sincerely appreciate all the witnesses who supplied the information necessary to bring Mr.
Ohms to justice,” says West Jordan Police. “We know Mr. Ohms’ arrest will not bring back this lost child to his grieving family; however, we hope it allows them to have some closure.”

UPDATED 4/26/22 9:32 PM

WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) – Police have apprehended a hit-and-run suspect who allegedly struck and killed a 13-year-old boy Tuesday evening in West Jordan.

The teen was riding his bike to a nearby store, his parents told police before being struck and killed while riding in a crosswalk.

Officials are looking at whether impairment or distraction contributed to the crash.

Police say the suspect is a 50-year-old man. His identity has not yet been released.

UPDATED 4/26/22 7:27 PM

WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) – Officials are searching for a hit-and-run suspect who reportedly struck and killed a 13-year-old who was riding a bike Tuesday evening in West Jordan.

Around 6 p.m., police responded to reports of a car that had struck a teen who was riding a bicycle and was not breathing, a press release states.

Witnesses told police that the juvenile was crossing 9000 South, in the marked crosswalk, at the signal at 1510 West. The suspect turned right from southbound 110 West to westbound 9000 South and struck the juvenile.

The car then turned around and fled from the scene south on 1510 West.

Witnesses and officers performed CPR on the minor before being transported to a local hospital.

They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Witnesses described the car as a light-colored Chevrolet pickup truck with a mounted ladder rack and equipment in the back of the truck.

Officers are now attempting to identify the victim.

“Our hearts are broken for this family who lost their child today,” Officer Samuel Winkler of the West Jordan Police Department said. “We have no words for why someone would leave another human in the road mortally injured and hope that the suspect does the right thing by turning themselves in.”

ABC4 will update this story as more information becomes available.