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OGDEN — Two motorists are to thank for helping stop an assault on a deputy Wednesday, investigators said.
A deputy stopped 23-year-old Everett Gerdes for riding his skateboard down the middle of Washington Boulevard near 4100 South, according to the Weber County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Lane Findlay said state law requires skateboarders and pedestrians to stay on the shoulder of the road for safety reasons.
Investigators said at first Gerdes refused to stop when the deputy pulled behind the man in his patrol car, but that he eventually pulled over on his skateboard. Gerdes reportedly became argumentative when the deputy asked for his identification, then tried to escape on his skateboard.
"The deputy grabbed hold of him and as soon as he did the fight was on," Findlay said. "It ended up going to the ground. It was a knock-down, drag-out-type fight and at one point the suspect was on top of the deputy and actually had a hold of his neck and was choking him."
Two people who were driving through the area stopped and were able to help restrain Gerdes as he continued to assault the deputy, according to officials. They said the passing motorists were a doctor and an off-duty firefighter.
It was a knock-down, drag-out-type fight.
–Lt. Lane Findlay
Gerdes was placed in handcuffs and arrested on suspicion of assault on a peace officer, interference/resisting arrest and prohibited activities by a pedestrian on a roadway. He was booked into the Weber County Jail.
Findlay said he isn't aware of any history between Gerdes and law enforcement.
"Gerdes' actions and crimes were really senseless, considering the deputy most likely would have just issued him a verbal warning for roadway violation and counseled him about proper safety," a statement from the sheriff's office reads.
The deputy was able to return to duty after sustaining minor injuries, according to the sheriff's office. Officials wanted to thank the two citizens who stopped to assist the deputy.
"I can't tell you how much we appreciate those citizens who were just driving by and didn't hesitate to jump out and intervene and help with that," Findlay said. "It's good to know that we still have people in this world like that who don't hesitate to jump in and help somebody who is in need."
Contributing: Cleon Wall, Andrew Adams
