Utah Teen Arrested After Hitting 158 MPH on I-15, Fleeing Troopers on Motorcycle
A 19-year-old Utah man is behind bars after Utah Highway Patrol says he reached speeds of 158 mph on Interstate 15 and deliberately evaded a trooper who attempted to pull him over — with the entire incident captured on video that the rider himself posted to social media.
Spencer Riley Clawson faces multiple charges stemming from the April 18 incident on southbound I-15 near Parrish Lane in Centerville, Utah. According to court documents, a UHP trooper first spotted Clawson traveling at roughly 100 mph before the rider changed lanes without signaling. When the officer moved to initiate a traffic stop, Clawson sped away at approximately 120 mph, vanishing from the trooper’s view within seconds.
Social Media Post Leads to Arrest
Investigators located a social media account containing a video that proved central to the case. In the footage, a motorcyclist can be seen acknowledging a patrol officer — waving and pointing — before throttling up dramatically as the officer attempts a stop. The motorcycle’s speedometer is visible throughout the clip, showing 75 mph while alongside the police vehicle before climbing to 158 mph before the video ends, according to authorities.
Law enforcement used the social media account to identify and track down Clawson. He was subsequently arrested and booked into Davis County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
Charges Include Multiple Violations
Clawson faces charges of failure to respond to a law enforcement command, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, failing to remove a public nuisance, failure to register a vehicle, operating without insurance, and riding without a motorcycle endorsement. Court records indicate neither the motorcycle nor its rider had proper registration, insurance, or licensing at the time of the incident.
The charges are allegations only, and Clawson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
While this incident occurred across the state line in Utah, I-15 serves as the primary north-south corridor for Southeast Idaho as well, connecting Pocatello, Chubbuck, and Inkom to the Salt Lake City metro area. Law enforcement agencies along the entire corridor, including those in Bannock County, routinely coordinate on high-speed pursuits and cross-jurisdictional traffic enforcement matters.
High-speed motorcycle incidents have drawn increased attention from state highway patrols across the Intermountain West, with agencies noting that triple-digit speeds on busy interstates present lethal risks not only to the operator but to other motorists sharing the road. A motorcycle traveling at 158 mph covers the length of a football field in approximately 1.3 seconds, leaving virtually no margin for reaction to road hazards or traffic.
For local news on Southeast Idaho infrastructure and community developments, readers can also follow ongoing coverage of Pocatello’s downtown revitalization and urban forest improvements, as well as updates on Rock Creek water quality planning moving into a new phase after years of study.
What Comes Next
Clawson remains in custody at Davis County Jail without bail as the case moves through the Utah court system. Prosecutors will determine formal charges following the investigation. UHP has not indicated whether additional suspects or related incidents are under review. Bannock County News will continue monitoring regional public safety developments along the I-15 corridor.