SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 6, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Police have taken a man they describe as a “known gang member” into custody after they say he tried to run over a Salt Lake City officer, a crime he has been charged with before.
Valentine James Malaki, 25, could be charged with aggravated assault on an officer, possibly attempted homicide, and felony fleeing, according to Lt. Dave Cracroft, Salt Lake City Police Department.
Two SLCPD gang officers were watching a residence for a wanted person just after 2 a.m. Thursday when they noticed a vehicle with a stolen plate in the driveway, Cracroft said.
“Two people came out of the house, heading towards the car. Our officers went over to talk to them, but they were able to get to the car before our officers were able to get to them.
“So the driver started the car, threw it into reverse, drove back and rammed into one of our cars, and then turned and tried to run over one of the officers that was on foot,” Cracroft said. “Our suspects then fled in that same white SUV. Fortunately, their (the officers’) car was still functioning, so they were able to get in and pursue.”
Police chased the SUV to the Park Place Apartments, at 751 S. 300 East, where Malaki is believed to live.
“We put up a containment. A female was seen trying to leave the containment. In fact, she was the passenger in the car. She was able to positively identify the driver. Our officers already had a good indication of who he was,” Cracroft said, naming Malaki.
After a warrant was obtained, Malaki was taken into custody.
“He’s facing at least aggravated assault on an officer, possibly attempted homicide, then felony fleeing,” Cracroft said. “He’s a known gang member, has been armed in the past.”
Malaki also was arrested in 2017 after police say he rammed police cars that boxed him in after owners of a stolen car reported seeing it driven by Malaki.
Cracroft said Malaki is well known to police. Gephardt Daily will have more information on this story as it becomes available.
Has he been previously deported, and for criminal activity?