WEST JORDAN, UTAH – October 5, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – One of the Metro Gang Unit’s top 10 fugitives has evaded capture again after causing a lockout on a local elementary school.
Jordan School District confirmed Heartland Elementary was placed on lockout around 2 p.m. while police searched for robbery suspect Stephen C. Hammer in the area. That lockout was lifted after about 10 minutes but after leading police on a chase by car and foot, Hammer managed to escape arrest- again.
Police spotted a stolen vehicle driven by Hammer at 2200 West 5400 South, and a short pursuit ensued, said Detective Ken Hansen of the Unified Police Department. Hammer jumped out of the car and fled on foot in the area of 1500 West 7000 South, Hansen said.
Authorities then put the school on lockout and blocked off the area, Hansen said, but Hammer escaped.
Hammer, 24, last evaded capture just a week ago. According to Unified Police Lieutenant Manfred Lassig, in that incident Hammer was driving a black Cadillac when a patrol officer who was doing traffic enforcement tried to stop the vehicle. The suspect took off, refusing to pull over.
“Our officer followed the vehicle for a short distance but made the decision to call off the pursuit,” Lassig said. “A few minutes later, as Hammer attempted to turn left onto Bangerter Highway from 4700 South, he crashed into another vehicle.”
Lassig said Hammer then ran on foot and climbed over a concrete wall into the adjoining neighborhood. “We set up a perimeter and with the help of West Valley City K-9 units we conducted an extensive searched for the suspect,” Lassig said. “He was able to escape and we are currently looking for him at this time.”
Officers say Hammer is armed and extremely dangerous, and although he is not affiliated with any particular gang, he is know to associate with them. Hammer is also one of the Unified Police Department’s Most Wanted. He is suspected in multiple burglaries, thefts, thefts of firearms and vehicle burglaries as well as an aggravated robbery and multiple fleeing charges. He has been seen carrying a gun multiple times in the last few months.
Officers said there was a child in the vehicle that Hammer crashed into but the child as well as the other occupants escaped without injury.
The Metro Gang Unit and West Jordan Police Department assisted Unified Police Department with today’s containment.
If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Hammer, please contact the Unified Police Department or the Metro Gang Unit immediately through dispatch at 801.743.7000.
