LAVERKIN, Utah, Feb. 20, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A Washington County sheriff’s deputy was injured Saturday evening after being assaulted by a suspected car thief.
According to LaVerkin Police Chief Benjamin Lee, the deputy – whose identity has not been released – was responding to a home in LaVerkin to assist in the investigation of a stolen vehicle.
“Officers received information that Mr. Ryan Pittman took $200 cash and a vehicle from a family member and left in a stolen vehicle,” Lee said. “An attempt to locate was broadcast for the vehicle. A Springdale PD officer saw a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle traveling into the area of Rockville. Before the officer could stop the vehicle, the vehicle turned around and returned to LaVerkin.”
A Washington County sheriff deputy spotted the stolen vehicle at the same residence it was reported stolen and a “physical struggle” ensued. The deputy was injured and taken to the hospital by Hurricane medical personnel. His condition has yet to be released.
The suspect – Ryan Pittman – was taken into custody a short while later and has been booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility on charges of assaulting a police officer, reckless driving and driving under the influence.
