Suspect runs from UHP trooper, assaults him while trying to flee

Deputies and troopers talk with area residents after an assault on one of the troopers during a traffic stop, St. George, Utah, April 3, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — After being stopped for expired vehicle registration, a motorist fled from a Utah Highway Patrol trooper and assaulted him before being arrested on a variety of charges.

UHP Troopers talk with a homeowner in the Dixie Downs area after an assault on one of the troopers during a traffic stop, St. George, Utah, April 3, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News
UHP Troopers talk with a homeowner in the Dixie Downs area after an assault on one of the troopers during a traffic stop, St. George, Utah, April 3, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News

UHP Trooper Taj Eldredge was traveling southbound on Dixie Downs Road just after 3 p.m when he stopped the Lincoln SUV.

“It showed expired registration,” Eldredge said. “I stopped the vehicle here at at 1465 North and Dixie Downs.”

The driver had an outstanding arrest warrant against her, Eldredge said. When the trooper informed her, she became agitated.

“After several attempts to calm her down, she started breathing heavily,” he said. “When I went hands-on to place her in handcuffs she took off down the street, ran about a block into the back yard of a trailer.”

The woman then assaulted Eldredge.

“The suspect flung her arms and hit me in the nose as well,” Eldredge said. “I was able to put her in handcuffs.” The trooper was checked by Gold Cross paramedics and released.

Washington County Sheriff’s deputies arrived and assisted Eldredge with the suspect.  She will be booked into jail for the arrest warrant, as well as on charges of expired registration, fleeing from a police officer and assault on a police officer.

Units from the Utah Highway Patrol, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Gold Cross Ambulance were at the scene.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Twitter: @STGnews | @NewsWayman

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

 

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5 Comments

  • ladybugavenger April 3, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Good thing you cuffed her officer, that would be embarrassin’ if she got away. You know cuz she’s a girl.

    • RealMcCoy April 7, 2016 at 10:47 am

      There was a Laverkin cop that couldn’t properly cuff a drunk older woman- twice. She got out of the cuffs 2 times and wreaked havoc on those around her.
      #TheyDontTrainEmWellAroundHere

  • Henry April 3, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    Ladybugavenger – the officer probably was too gentle because she was a female. He should’ve tasered her or applied a billy club to her.

    • Jose April 4, 2016 at 4:35 pm

      You sound like a typical St George mormon.

    • RealMcCoy April 7, 2016 at 10:45 am

      He should have just shot the hardened fugitive in the back. People have started supporting the Judge Dredd police tactics now.

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