A North Salt Lake man was arrested after allegedly killing a man with his car after a Saturday fight at a party in Eagle Mountain. Police believe it was an accident.
Eric W. Porter, 26, started arguing with Brett L. Ostler, 29, of Magna, inside a house near Kiowa Parkway (4000 East) and Golden Eagle Road (7000 North), said Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon.
The argument grew heated as Porter left the house about 9:30 p.m. and got into his SUV to leave the party, Cannon said. Ostler followed him into the car, continuing the argument.
"[Porter] said he was just trying to leave, he didn't want any more problems, it hadn't been a good day for him," Cannon said. Ostler got out and slammed the door, which made Porter angry. He said something to Ostler, who opened the car door, got back inside and punched Porter in the face, Porter told police.
Ostler either got out or fell out and Porter backed up the SUV to leave the party. But as he hit the gas, he felt the car hit Ostler, who was still nearby. He suffered "significant trauma" to his head and upper body, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Porter called 911 and admitted to running him over, Cannon said.
"He was very forthcoming with us," Cannon said. "We don't believe he intended to do this."
Porter was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide, a class A misdemeanor. He was booked into the Utah County jail and later released on bail. Police do not consider alcohol to be a factor in the case.
