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SOUTH SALT LAKE — A 31-year-old gang member was taken into custody Friday night, police say, after he slammed a vehicle into two police cars.
Unified Police Sgt. Aymee Race said officers were called out to assist with an "officer-involved critical incident" at The Commons in the area of 2860 S. 200 East around 8 p.m.
Officers with the Metro Gang Unit were attempting to arrest Nicholas Sickler, 31, a known gang member. The vehicle that Sickler was driving was listed as stolen, according to the police booking affidavit. Officers boxed the vehicle in, but Sickler was able to escape by slamming into two police vehicles and driving past another officer, Race said.
An officer shot at Sickler's vehicle as he was fleeing the scene, Race said. No injuries were reported from the shots being fired, Race said.
The Sickler drove a short distance before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot, Race said. Sickler was arrested a short time later in the area of 3500 S. 700 East.
Sickler told police that he stole the vehicle in Rose Park because he was homeless, the affidavit states. It also states he claimed the car was unlocked, had the keys in the ignition and was already running.
Sickler was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of three counts of assault on a peace officer with the use of a dangerous weapon. He was also booked for investigation of theft of a vehicle and failure to stop at the signal of an officer.
The incident is under investigation by the West Valley Protocol Team.
