Driver praised for ramming patrol car in Utah

[December 23, 2009]  WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (AP) -- A Utah driver rammed a sheriff's patrol car on purpose and officers aren't even upset.

West Valley City police say a man posted an ad asking for a massage. When he showed up at the appointed meeting place, instead of finding a woman police said a 21-year-old man hopped into the truck, flashed a gun and told the victim to drive.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Jason Johnson said the driver tried to stay calm but saw an opportunity to escape when he pulled up next to a sheriff's deputy.

Johnson said the man hit the patrol car, jumped out of the truck and started yelling.

Officers quickly arrested the gunman.

Johnson said a little damage to a vehicle that can be repaired is better than anyone getting hurt.

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Information from: KSL-TV, http://www.ksl.com/

[Associated Press]

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