SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 26, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A man driving a stolen vehicle, spotted by the family that owned it, is in custody Tuesday night after he tried hard to evade capture, police say.
Officers booked Valentine James Malaki, 24, into jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal mischief, fleeing on foot and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A family that had its vehicle stolen several days ago reportedly saw it driving in the area of North Temple and Redwood Road, and called police.
The family followed the suspect at a safe distance, and let officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department know where the man stopped, near 400 S. Navajo St. (about 1350 West).
“The person stayed in the car, and they (the family) kept on the phone with dispatch,” Lt. Justin Hudson told Gephardt Daily.
“Our officers got here, and they immediately boxed in the vehicle, and at that point, the suspect in the vehicle began ramming both officers’ cars. He couldn’t get away, so he ran on foot.”
The man ran west, then north when he saw officers blocking his path.
“We just sent up containment, knowing he was in here somewhere,” Hudson said. “Officers started going through yards, and we brought in a K9.”
The suspect made another run for it, but the police dog quickly jumped a fence and caught the man, the lieutenant said.
“He did sustain a few bites,” Hudson said. “Officers caught up, and used a conductive energy device to subdue him completely, and got him into custody.”
Hudson said Salt Lake City Police officers are well trained in setting up containment, and the K9 crew is good at its job, and has done well in national competitions.
Hudson said that because the suspect rammed two police cars, fled on foot, and resisted arrest, he is facing multiple charges besides possession of a stolen vehicle.
“Those are pretty serious charges,” Hudson said. “We’re happy to take you into custody if you’re going to play nice. That’s what we’re paid to do. But we’re also paid to take people into custody when they don’t want to be taken into custody. That’s when it gets hairy.
“But you’re not going to get away with stealing cars. We’re not going to allow it.”
