3 arrested after fleeing, nearly dragging officer
WEST VALLEY CITY — Three people have been arrested in connection with a shoplifting incident in which a police officer was nearly dragged.
Police responded to a call of shoplifters loading a vehicle with merchandise from a Wal-Mart near 6200 South and 5600 West. A nearby officer pulled the pickup truck over and was talking to the occupants when the driver started the truck again, said West Valley Police Lt. Bill Merritt.
The officer put his hand through the truck's wing window in an attempt to grab the gear shifter, he said. But when the truck started backing up, the officer's hand became stuck, Merritt said.
"He said he did a backwards trot for a few feet," Merritt said of the officer. Fearing he would be dragged, the officer punched out the driver's side window with his hand and was able to free himself.
Officers eventually located all three people hiding in nearby yards, Merritt said.
Anthony Bulfer, 32, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of attempted murder of a police officer, fleeing and retail theft. Dominic Mendoza, 30, was booked for investigation of obstruction of justice. Sonya Velasquez, 24, was booked for investigation of obstruction of justice/attempted homicide.
— Pat Reavy
Recent comments
Officers doing their job and any attempt to harm or injure an officer...
Reporting crime | July 11, 2009 at 5:49 a.m.
These were rampant crime spree shoplifters and the driver was willing...
Anonymous | July 11, 2009 at 1:09 a.m.
guess my question is a little more basic. Why did the officer think...
March Hare | July 10, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies 4:19 a.m.
- College football: Big-5 glance 12:34 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:14 a.m.
- Missions teach players perseverance 12:08 a.m.
- Scout answer to church's prayers 12:08 a.m.
- Project helps Guatemalan kids 12:07 a.m.
- No expiration date on gratitude 12:07 a.m.
- Nursery Rhymes' gratitude 12:07 a.m.
- Temple Square to use LEDs 12:06 a.m.
- Mormon mom helps hungry children 12:05 a.m.
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
- Cougars cruise past Southern
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
- Y. focused on 10-win season
- BYU has slim shot at BCS
- Thunder rolls by Jazz
- BYU ties give Utes an edge
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
259 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
227 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
209 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
129 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
110 - Boys basketball rankings
110 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
103
Wouldn't this be a good way to get rid of the carp in Utah Lake? Provide some...
Unlike its general membership, the church is known worldwide for their love...
to two fine women with outstanding husbands and coaches. GO UTES!
This may be true but it only works when grocery shopping. By Black Friday...
I hope some of our Utah state legislators are reading this report and maybe...
What a waste. I'm an American living and working with the rural poor in...
Next three years Syracuse girls state champs! Young and very talented!!!!!...
I'm sorry for the loss this man's family will experience. What was to be an...
Finally a president that does something constructive. Dave, stop telling...
I hope they get him out as soon as possible. What a horrible experience for...


