Former NASCAR driver Tyler Walker arrested after chase, drugs involved

UPDATE A former NASCAR driver who led police on a high-speed chase through Nevada, Arizona and Utah is scheduled to appear in 5th District Court on Tuesday in St. George for his initial appearance. Timothy Tyler Andrew Walker, 33, failed to stop for police in Nevada for speeding early Wednesday morning. He then led police northbound on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge and reached speeds estimated at 150 miles per hour, according to a probable cause statement.

Two Utah Highway Patrol officers were able to deflate the tires of Walker's 2007 BMW 750 Li sedan after releasing spike strips. The vehicle came to a stop 1.5 miles later. According to the statement, a UHP trooper attempted to approach the vehicle, but Walker allegedly drove off at 80 mph with flat tires. Walker stopped again, and was finally apprehended after trying to flee on foot. Walker was charged with two third-degree felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony charge of failure to stop for police, and misdemeanor charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of paraphernalia, unlawful transportation of alcohol and having an open container in a vehicle. Bail was set at $18,020. Walker and McDonald posted bail Wednesday night. St. George Daily Spectrum

02/01/13 Two California residents were taken into custody Wednesday morning after leading Nevada, Arizona and Utah Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed pursuit. The driver, Timothy Tyler Andrew Walker, 33, and passenger, Raelie Hann McDonald, 30, both of Hermosa Beach, were arrested on a variety of drug and alcohol charges. UHP Cpl. Todd Johnson said his department was notified of a pursuit traveling northbound on I-15 in Arizona at approximately 7:30 a.m. The car had failed to stop for Nevada troopers, who were pursuing the vehicle for speeding and felony evading. Troopers searched the car, finding methamphetamines, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and alcohol in the vehicle. Walker is a former Nationwide and Truck Series driver suspended for violating NASCAR's drug policy in 2007. The Spectrum, KSL.com