Man accused of hitting officer, trying to steal patrol car

WEST VALLEY CITY — West Valley police have arrested man accused of hitting an officer and then trying to steal his patrol car.

Young Tiole Mamea, 25, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Monday for investigation of aggravated robbery, assault on an officer, failing to stop at the command of police and interfering with an arresting officer.

A West Valley officer spotted Mamea on a bicycle Monday night and recognized him as someone who had multiple warrants out for his arrest, according to a police booking affidavit.

The officer stopped Mamea, who immediately got off his bike and ran, police said.

"When the officer caught up to (Mamea), (he) struck the officer in the face with his hands at least two times and then continued to flee on foot," the affidavit states.

Mamea then ran to the officer's patrol car, got into the passenger seat and slid into the driver's seat, according to the affidavit.

"Once at the driver seat of the vehicle, (Mamea) attempted to put the car in gear, but a safety switch on the vehicle was previously activated by the officer which prevented (Mamea) from driving away," according to the affidavit.

The officer was able to unlock the door, but Mamea continued to resist arrest until he was eventually placed into custody, police said.

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