Helena carjacking suspect allegedly pointed gun at officers in Utah rampage | IR Crime and Courts News

As an investigation into the death of a Helena carjacking victim continues, his alleged attacker faces more charges stemming from a rampage in Salt Lake City.

Authorities say Eddie Christopher Sanchez, 45, of Helena, started his crime spree in Helena early Sunday when he allegedly led officers on a pursuit and then strangled a man during a carjacking on Washington Street. He is also accused of assaulting a woman in Dillon and forcibly taking her wallet Sunday afternoon. 

On Tuesday, authorities in Salt Lake City picked up Sanchez on a Helena-based warrant on felony charges of criminal endangerment, aggravated assault and robbery. 

Just before authorities apprehended Sanchez, he pulled a knife on someone in Salt Lake City, according to police reports. He then allegedly attempted to carjack someone while brandishing a gun. Within moments, Sanchez was the suspect in another carjacking at an Audi dealership.

Police reports state Sanchez then attempted to enter an apartment. Officers arrived on scene and a brief foot chase ensued. 

"The suspect pointed his gun at officers and was then challenged by them. The suspect surrendered by throwing his gun into the road and was taken into custody," police reports state.

In addition to the Helena charges, Sanchez also is jailed on Utah charges of two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault on a police officer, fleeing on foot and possession of another person's identifying documents. 

Meanwhile, an investigation into the death of his alleged local victim continues. Kerry Paul Malkerson, 67, of Texas, was getting ready to leave a hotel in the 3100 block of Washington Street around 3:30 a.m. Sunday when someone strangled him and stole his Crown Victoria. The victim was taken to a hospital and later returned home to Texas, where he died Monday. Officials said they are working to conclude if Malkerson's injuries from the carjacking caused his death. 

Court documents state Malkerson told officers he was approached by a man asking for money and when he declined, the man hit him in the head and demanded his keys. The suspect, Sanchez, attacked Malkerson and ending up strangling him from behind. 

"The male said he was going to kill (Malkerson)," the documents state.

Malkerson told officers he began to lose consciousness and thought he was going to die.