Millcreek man accused of trying to stick trooper with needle during DUI blood draw

MILLCREEK — What started out as a DUI stop escalated into a physical confrontation and now a Millcreek man faces third-degree felony charges after he allegedly tried to stick a trooper with a needle and Taser her with her own stun gun.

The Utah Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop near 4050 S. 250 East last April to check for registration and insurance and noticed the driver smelled of alcohol, according to charges filed in 3rd District Court on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say when the trooper attempted to draw the suspect's blood for use in testing for alcohol and drugs, he pulled the needle from his arm and attempted to poke her with it.

The vial of blood fell onto the ground and broke. The suspect, Spencer J. Hancock, then got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. The trooper attempted to stop Hancock using a Taser, charges state.

While the trooper was dry-stunning Hancock, he allegedly turned around, grabbed the Taser and tried to use it on the trooper. The two started fighting and Hancock pulled the trigger, activating it, charges state.

The trooper said she and three other citizens managed to get Hancock on the ground.

Hancock is charged with attempted aggravated assault by a prisoner and escape, both third-degree felonies; as well as failure to stop at the command of a law officer and tampering with evidence, class A misdemeanors. Hancock is also charged with driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia and no insurance on a motor vehicle, class B misdemeanors.

— Lana Groves