Salt Lake man who allegedly rammed 2 police cars in chase faces robbery charges

The federal courthouse in Salt Lake City is pictured on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City man who allegedly wielded a gun in three convenience store robberies and rammed three cars, including two police vehicles, in a low-speed chase now faces federal criminal charges.

Hector Fernando De La Rosa, 22, is charged with three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm. He is also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition following a felony conviction.

De La Rosa robbed a Maverik store in Murray on Jan. 21, a 7-Eleven in Salt Lake City on Jan. 22 and a 7-Eleven in South Salt Lake on Jan. 28, according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court.

On Jan. 29, West Valley City police were involved in a vehicle pursuit of a stolen car, the complaint alleges. The driver crashed into several parked cars. Officers ultimately spiked the tires, but the driver kept driving. He later left the car and fled from officers. He was ultimately tackled and arrested.

Police identified the man as De La Rosa. He was wearing the same clothing worn in the South Salt Lake robbery, according to authorities. Police say they found a black revolver in the stolen car.

De La Rosa is held in the Salt Lake County jail.

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