Man wanted for questioning arrested in LaVerkin for felony criminal mischief

LAVERKIN – LaVerkin City police officers located and arrested a man wanted for questioning by several agencies in Washington County Sunday afternoon.

Michael Bienkowski of Springdale, Utah,  July 12, 2014 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News
Michael Bienkowski of Springdale, Utah, July 12, 2014 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News

Michael Bienkowski, 22, of Springdale, was arrested after initially fleeing from police.

“Officers observed Bienkowski in the area of 635 North 135 West in LaVerkin,” LaVerkin City Police Chief Benjamin Lee said. “Officers knew of his wanted status and proceeded to request assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office – one of the agencies looking for him.”

Officers noticed Bienkowski was in possession of a weapon that he was restricted from having.

“He was in possession of a knife,” Lee said.

When officers approached Bienkowski, and told him that he was under arrest, Lee said he took off running from officers on foot.

“Officers then proceeded to set up a perimeter and Bienkowski was later found hiding in a shed,” Lee said. “He surrendered to officers without further incident.”

Bienkowski was arrested and booked into Washington County’s Purgatory Correctional Facility.

He was charged with one third-degree felony for criminal mischief with damage in the amount of $1500-$5000; four class-A misdemeanors for possession of a weapon by a restricted person, trespassing, escape, and failure to stop at the command of an officer; and three class-B misdemeanors for threats of violence, trespassing, and interfering with an arrest.

Bienkowski made his initial appearance in front of Judge Wilcox in the 5th District Court in St. George Monday afternoon. After reviewing the case, Wilcox raised the bail amount to $50,000 cash only.

Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.

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