Officer shoots at man who rammed police car, police say; suspect in custody
Nov 19, 2025, 11:49 AM | Updated: 5:51 pm
WEST VALLEY CITY — A man rammed a police car with a van in West Valley City on Wednesday morning, police said. An officer fired at the man, but he was not hit, and was later arrested.
The West Valley City Police Department said the incident happened at a temporary homeless shelter in the area of 3300 South Redwood Road.
The shooting occurred across the street from The Westerner, a popular nightlife spot in West Valley City. Multiple witnesses saw the incident from both across the street and in the parking lot adjacent to the temporary homeless shelter.
Police cars are seen on a UDOT traffic camera in the area of 3400 South and Redwood Road. (Utah Department of Transportation)
“A man who was asked to leave by the shelter used his van to ram the vehicle of an officer working security on site,” the department said.
The police officer fired his gun at the man’s vehicle, hitting the windshield twice. The man was not hit and he fled the scene, police said.
“The suspect fled and after a short pursuit, returned to the shelter parking area and was taken into custody. Neither the officer involved nor the suspect suffered any injuries,” WVCPD said.
The department said the Salt Lake County Critical Incident Protocol Team would be investigating the incident.
Police charged the individual, identified as 25 year old Stephen Lopez, with aggravated assault, theft of a motor vehicle, failure to stop and causing an accident.
This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.
