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SALT LAKE CITY -- An off-duty police officer is recovering from a bump on the head after being attacked with a soda bottle, and two teens could soon be facing charges.
The officer was moonlighting as security for Super Saver at 729 N. Redwood Road in Salt Lake City. But he got more than he bargained for when he stopped two young men he suspected of shoplifting. It happened around 7:50 Thursday night.
He asked them to empty their pockets, and one of the teens threw a bottle of soda he'd purchased at the officer's head.
The officer was treated and released at the scene for the minor injury. But the effects for the teens will linger much longer.
Salt Lake City police Sgt. Robin Snyder says the duo would likely have only faced a ticket if they hadn't run or thrown the bottle.
She said, "It was only about maybe $10 worth of stuff, but now this male, since he assaulted a police officer and then he ran from the police officer, he's facing some pretty major charges."
Police say after throwing the bottle, the two made a run for it. They arrested 18-year-old Erik Friedley near 650 North Anthony, and an unnamed teenager was arrested near the store where this happened.
Arresting documents say the pair had about 70 packets of stolen Kool-Aid and two Hot Pockets on them when they were caught.
Friedley was booked into jail for assault on a police officer, retail theft and failure to stop.
E-mail: bbruce@ksl.com
