Driver allegedly puts car in reverse at stoplight, hits police officer’s car

SALT LAKE CITY — A 52-year-old man is in custody after hitting a police officer’s car Monday night at 400 South 200 West in Salt Lake City.

According to Salt Lake City Police Department, an officer was at a stoplight when his car was struck by the car in front of him at approximately 9:50 p.m.

The driver, Jeffrey Doan, 52, unexpectedly stopped in the middle of the road in front of the officer’s patrol car. After waiting to see if any pedestrians had crossed the road or the driver would move, the police officer honked his horn to alert Doan of the green light.

“Without any warning, the driver… put his car in reverse, accelerated and hit the officer’s patrol car, causing damage,” police said. Doan drove a few feet forward before quickly getting out of his car.

We are investigating an aggravated assault against one of our officers after a 54-year-old man suddenly reversed his car into the officer’s patrol car while on duty.

Thankfully, the officer was not hurt.

Link: https://t.co/wlJPtEcJOO#SLC #SLCPD #SaltLakeCity pic.twitter.com/TNo4UeR2o6

— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) September 13, 2022

 

The officer was able to get out of his car safely and take the suspect into custody with the help of other officers.

Doan was booked into the Salt Lake County jail for aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.

The officer was not injured, but the patrol car was damaged in the incident.