UHP trooper injured while deploying tire spikes

SALT LAKE CITY — According to the Utah Highway Patrol, a trooper was injured while deploying tire spikes on Tuesday. 

Sgt. Cam Roden of UHP said that a trooper was injured as law enforcement was working to deploy tire spikes. The trooper “fell off a structure” and onto the street. 

The trooper was transported to a hospital, “in serious condition,” but was alert and able to communicate, Roden said.

The incident

This morning, the Salt Lake City Police Department said officers attempted to stop an SUV near 900 W North Temple Street. 

The SUV took off.

Officers did not go after the car. They pulled over and shared information about the vehicle with other law enforcement officials, according to a SLCPD public relations sergeant. 

Later, an SLCPD officer saw an SUV matching the car’s description in the area of 7200 West near I-80.

The officer tried to stop the car but it sped away. 

The SUV then collided with a Salt Lake City police car, causing minor damage. The crash didn’t harm the SLCPD officer inside the vehicle.

Following the collision with the SLCPD car, UHP troopers began to deploy tire spikes in effort to stop the SUV. While troopers were working to deploy them, a trooper fell from the structure they were standing on. 

“Shortly after that [injury] had occurred, the DPS helicopter located the suspect vehicle and followed that vehicle to a local hotel here in the area,” said Roden.

Law enforcement officers were able to take the suspect into custody. 

Roden added that it is unknown if the suspect had weapons at this time. 

Salt Lake City Police Department posted on X that 7200 West is closed south of I-80. An investigation is underway. 

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