2 arrested after ramming patrol car

A chase, a rammed police car and a search led to the arrests of two men in Salt Lake County early Wednesday.

About 2:30 a.m., members of the Salt Lake Metro Gang Unit found a stolen Honda Civic in the parking lot of the Days Inn, 300 W. 3300 South. Two deputies conducted surveillance, waiting for the thieves to come out, said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Paul Jaroscak.

Two men and a woman eventually came out of a hotel room and got into the car. Deputies tried to box the stolen vehicle in, Jaroscak said. Instead, the thieves rammed one of the patrol cars, causing an estimated $1,500 in damage. The deputy was not seriously injured, he said.

The stolen car was found abandoned a short time later near 1700 South and 400 East, Jaroscak said.

A K9 officer and his service dog from Salt Lake City police were called. The dog Apollo found one of the men hiding in a home just behind a back door that was open, according to Salt Lake police.

The second man was located and arrested a few minutes later across the street. Both men were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of assault on a police officer, fleeing, possession of a stolen vehicle and warrants. The search continued Wednesday for the woman.

— Pat Reavy