HURRICANE, Utah, April 21, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A man was taken into custody Wednesday after trying to burglarize the home of an off-duty police officer in Hurricane, police said.
A news release from Sgt. Brandon Buell, Hurricane City Police Department, said officers were called at approximately 3:30 p.m. to the 400 North block of 2480 West.
“Officers were dispatched to a report of a male subject who unlawfully entered a residence while the home was occupied,” the news statement said. “The tenant of that residence, who is an off-duty police officer, was sleeping at the time the suspect entered. The suspect started banging around inside the home making a lot of noise.
“The victim armed herself with a handgun and observed the suspect in the kitchen. The suspect made comments toward the victim that caused her to feel threatened. The suspect then went back outside and the victim called police. Fortunately, no one was injured and the victim was able to remain calm and act in a manner that helped protect her.”
Officers arrived and observed Nathan Gardiner, 43, attempting to the leave the scene in a vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle from leaving and made contact with the Gardiner, who did not comply with the officers commands.
The officers were able to detain the suspect and conduct an investigation.
Gardiner was arrested based on the investigation and transported to Purgatory Correctional Facility.
“While en route, the suspect had a medical emergency and medical was dispatched,” the statement said.
“The suspect then became very combative with officers and assaulted them. The suspect made death threats toward the officers during the incident. The suspect was transported to the hospital for a medical release and then taken to Purgatory.
“We do believe that alcohol and drugs were a factor in this incident. It is still unclear on what the motive was behind the actions made by the suspect.”
A search warrant was served on Gardiner’s residence. Investigators found items of suspected controlled substances, which are believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as a firearm and ammunition.
Gardiner was booked into jail on charges of burglary of a dwelling, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, three counts of assault by a prisoner, two counts of failure to stop at a police officer’s command, drug possession, possession of paraphernalia, criminal mischief, interfering with an arrest, two counts of threats of violence, DUI, intoxication, disorderly conduct and an outstanding warrant.
