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MILLCREEK — Investigators continued to search Wednesday for a man with a lengthy criminal history who is believed to have been selling guns to gang members.
Stephen C. Hammer, 24, was placed this week on the Metro Gang Unit's most wanted fugitive list. In recent weeks, the frequency of the burglaries Hammer is accused of committing and the violence with which he carries them out has been increasing, raising officers' concerns, said Unified Police Lt. Lex Bell.
He was placed on the unit's top 10 most wanted list after an incident on Aug. 20 at Macy's, 4835 S. Highland Drive. Bell said a security guard at the store watched Hammer attempt to walk out with a number of clothing items he had not paid for. As the officer approached him, Hammer pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer, Bell said. He then drove off in a pickup truck that was recovered two days later by police and determined to be stolen.
Detectives who watched store surveillance video of the incident immediately recognized Hammer.
About 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, as officers were out looking for Hammer, he was spotted near 4300 South and 1300 East. A short car chase ensued, during which the tires on Hammer's vehicle were spiked.
He drove to the Turnberry Apartments, 4422 S. Murifield Road (1365 East), where he got out and ran and was able to get away, Bell said.
As the officer approached him, Hammer pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer, Bell said. He then drove off in a pickup truck that was recovered two days later by police and determined to be stolen.
In the past, Hammer has allegedly been caught with a sawed-off shotgun. He is a drug addict believed to be selling firearms to gang members, though he is not a gang member himself, Bell said. He has also been known to commit residential burglaries looking for firearms to steal and other valuables he can pawn, according to the lieutenant. Over the past two months, he has allegedly fled from officers about a half dozen times.
According to state court records, Hammer was charged twice in July in 3rd District Court. He was charged with failing to stop for police in one case and multiple felonies in another, including drug possession with intent to distribute, possession of firearm by a restricted person and unlawful acquisition of a financial card.
Hammer was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on July 30 but was able to post bail, according to court records.
Anyone with information on Hammer can call police at 801-743-7000.
