MIDVALE, Utah, Feb. 28, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Unified Police officer was knocked unconscious when a man hit him with the back of his head after a traffic stop in Midvale.
Unified Police Department Sgt. Melody Gray told Gephardt Daily the incident occurred in the area of the Chelsea Park Apartments, at 7351 S. Frontage Road in Midvale, just before 10 a.m.
Gray said the officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for an expired registration tag. The driver was evasive, and attempted to flee, but then stopped in a driveway.
When the officer approached the driver to handcuff him, the man “reared back,” Gray said, and hit the officer with his head.
The officer was knocked unconscious briefly when he hit his head on the concrete, Gray said, but came to quickly and was able to get up by himself.
Meanwhile, a citizen who had seen which direction the man fled and followed him. Other responding officers were able to apprehend the suspect.
Gray said it’s not clear why the man tried to flee. The vehicle does not appear to be stolen and the suspect has only a class C misdemeanor warrant. He is currently being interviewed by detectives.
The officer was transported to an area hospital to be examined, and he appears to be in good shape, Gray said.
Gray said it’s likely more details about the suspect will be released later Thursday.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information is made available.
