Salt Lake County DA filing charges against man accused of hitting officer with a car

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County District Attorney is filing charges against a man accused of hitting a police officer with his car last month.

Tyson Yellowbear was charged with felony aggravated assault, theft and possession of a weapon by a restricted person.

Officers were trying to take him into custody in South Salt Lake in May. They allege he was trying to drive out of a parking lot where an officer was putting down spike strips to stop him.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said Yellowbear sped up to hit that officer. Another officer rammed into Yellowbear’s truck to eventually stop him.

Both the officers were taken to the hospital.

“They seem to be recovering and they’re doing well,” Gill said. “But, as you can imagine, anytime you’re hit by a vehicle, it’s a terrifying experience. And so, our heart goes out to the officers that are involved.”

Yellowbear has a long, violent wrap sheet, according to Gill.

“If people are going to engage in this kind of behavior, then we want to make sure have the proportionate response to that kind of behavior,” he said.

One of Yellowbear’s previous charges includes a conviction for criminal homicide in 2006.

Aimee Cobabe is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. She primarily reports on education, family and public safety. Follow her on Instagram and X.

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