Police: Armed Suspect Who Pulled Into West Valley Police Lot, Rammed Patrol Car Identified

A suspect is in custody Tuesday after he pulled into the parking lot of West Valley City Police Department in an SUV that contained a gun and ammunition then rammed a police vehicle after being chased by officers. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Steve Milner

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, July 19, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A suspect in custody Tuesday after police say he pulled into the parking lot of West Valley City Police Department in an SUV that contained a gun and ammunition, then rammed a police vehicle after being chased by officers has been identified.

West Valley City Police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku said David J. Calder, 44, has been booked for fleeing, aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of a controlled substance, hit and run, and ramming a police car and another vehicle.

Vainuku said the incident began at 10:40 a.m. when Calder rammed his way through the garage door of a local business.

“We started getting calls of a reckless driver, and just shortly after these calls start coming in he actually pulled into the parking lot of the WVC police department,” Vainuku said.

“One of our officers saw the vehicle and went to try to stop the vehicle, and the SUV just took off. The officers pursued the suspect on 3500 South headed east. When they get to the area where I-215 crosses over 3500 South, he rammed his vehicle into reverse and slammed into the police vehicle.

“He then took off again. The officers continued to follow the suspect and he got to 1940 West.”

A witness who called 911 pulled over to get out of the way. The suspect then drove across the lawn of a home, then slammed into the back of the witness’ truck.

Officers arrived on scene and ordered the suspect out of the vehicle, and he was taken into custody without incident. A gun and ammunition were found inside the SUV.

“The suspect had narcotics on him,” Vainuku added. “We do believe the suspect was under the influence. He was acting erratically, seeing things that was not there. He refused medical treatment because he said officials were not real members of the fire department.”

Vainuku said numerous people witnessed the incident, but no one was injured. She said a lawn was ruined, several cars were damaged and debris littered the roadway.

“It was a very dangerous situation. We are surprised no one was hurt. The police car was drivable, and that car was used to transport the suspect to jail.

Vainuku said officers face dangerous situations all the time.

“They are dealing with people all the time who put them at risk. That is what they do. They are passionate about helping people and their community. Where the danger is, they will be.

“You look at a situation like this, a very busy time of day. We are very fortunate that no officers or anyone else was injured in this incident.”

 

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