A Moab man accused of leading authorities on a high-speed chase last week remains in custody, pending his next appearance in 7th District Court.
Harley “Hitman” Bylilly appeared briefly in court on Monday, Feb. 12, and although he didn’t enter a formal plea, the 27-year-old man apologized for his alleged actions.
“I just wanted to say that I’m really sorry for everything,” he told 7th District Judge Lyle R. Anderson. “This isn’t me, and I felt really ashamed, you know, and I just want the whole community to know that I’m sorry.”
Authorities allege that Bylilly evaded law enforcement after a Grand County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a vehicle at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8. According to a report on the incident, Bylilly’s car matched the description of a vehicle that was reported to be driving recklessly.
The deputy and the suspect’s vehicle were traveling northbound near milepost 122 on U.S. Highway 191 toward Moab when the vehicle allegedly failed to stop for the deputy. The deputy pursued the vehicle, and speeds reportedly approached 100 miles per hour.
The suspect’s vehicle then turned off 191 and onto Mill Creek Drive, continuing until the intersection with 400 East, where the suspect’s vehicle veered north.
Two more Grand County Sheriff’s deputies joined the pursuit as the suspect turned onto 400 East, west onto 100 North and then north on 200 East.
The suspect’s vehicle then slowed down and a passenger identified as Angelo Lee exited the vehicle.
Lee was detained subsequently arrested on an outstanding Grand County Justice Court warrant for failure to appear in court.
After Lee exited the vehicle, the driver continued north on 200 East, where he collided with two Grand County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles near the intersection of 200 North. Bylilly was then taken into custody with the assistance of Moab City Police officers.
No deputies were injured as a result of the collision, and damage to their vehicles was minimal, according to the report.
Both suspects were booked into the Grand County Jail, and Bylilly was charged with numerous criminal and traffic-related offenses, including two second-degree felony counts of “assault against peace officer/military with weapon or force.” He also stands accused of third-degree felony failure to stop or respond (to) the command of police, and misdemeanor counts of interference with an arresting officer, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
Bylilly is next scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Altogether, he faces potential penalties of two to 35 years in state prison, followed by two years and 90 days in the Grand County Jail, plus fines.
Under the law, he is presumed to be innocent unless or until a court convicts him of any charges.
Harley Bylilly apologizes in court for alleged actions
