This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Southwestern Utah law enforcement was on the lookout Thursday for a California fugitive believed to have left a burning car at the Utah-Arizona border after escaping police during a high-speed chase.
St. George police Sgt. Sam Despain said area police and sheriffs' departments had been alerted that Christian Barroso, wanted for parole violation in California, should be considered armed and dangerous.
Despain said that following the initial pursuit by a Washington County sheriff's deputy, St. George police and firefighters responded to the Port of Entry near the state line to find a vehicle engulfed in flames. It is believed that Barroso deliberately torched the vehicle in his bid to get away.
He was last seen in the area on foot.
Inside the charred car, police found the remains of a rifle and handgun ammunition. However, no handguns were recovered, leading authorities to suspect Barroso may still be armed.
Barroso, 27, is described as a 5-foot-7 Latino, about 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Despain said a "reverse 911" call had been implemented for residences in the area where Barroso was last seen, but as of Thursday afternoon no "credible sightings" had been reported.
Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911 immediately.
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