Two SLC police officers injured during arrest at Pioneer Park
Oct 1, 2021, 5:57 PM | Updated: Dec 29, 2022, 12:06 pm
Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson-Edwards said her car was one of those damaged in the incident at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Photo: Maile Wilson-Edwards
SALT LAKE CITY — Two Salt Lake City police officers were injured Friday in an incident at Pioneer Park that resulted in a series of broken windows as well.
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, they were notified by Gold Cross paramedics of a 22-year-old woman walking into traffic in the area of 200 South and State Street just before noon.
Property destroyed in “rock throwing spree”
Police said the woman broke windows to an apartment complex, hotel and at least two automobiles with a rock. One of those cars belongs to Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson-Edwards, who was in Salt Lake City to attend a conference of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. In a social media post, she wrote that someone took a rock to her windshield and a passenger window.
“Nothing quite like finishing up with meeting at the Utah League of Cities and Towns conference to find that an individual had a mental health episode and went on a rock throwing spree,” she wrote.
Salt Lake City police say the first officer to respond to the initial call found the woman in Pioneer Park, but instead of stopping when asked, police say she threw a rock and hit the officer in the head.
Officers hurt in Pioneer Park scuffle
Police deployed a Taser in an attempt to stop the woman, but described it as “only partially effective.”
Additional officials arrived on scene to assist in taking her into custody. Police say the woman continued to fight with officers. The officer hit by the rock suffered a broken finger. Another officer suffered a bite wound to the hand. Both drove themselves to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“This was a rapidly unfolding and dangerous situation for our officers,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown in a news release. “I’m glad the injuries to our officers were not more serious. When this call came out, our officers responded quickly to protect the community around them and in the park, and for that, I want to recognize their efforts. Our officers have a difficult job, and this incident highlights their extensive training.”
Police continue to look for witnesses or other potential victims. Anyone with information that could help should call 801-799-3000, referencing case number 21-180691.
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