Cottonwood Heights police are searching for a man who they say hit a police officer with a stolen car early Sunday morning.

The officer spotted the Honda Prelude, reported stolen from a used car lot, about 3 a.m., said Cottonwood Heights police officer Beau Babka. The officer tried to pull over the driver, but he sped away. The officer spotted the car again a few minutes later near 7165 South. He got out of his car and approached the Prelude, which appeared to be empty, but as he did he saw the driver pop up and start to drive at him, Babka said. The officer fired seven shots at the car, but did not apparently hit the driver.

The car struck the officer and threw him over the front hood, Babka said. The man sped away.

The officer was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for bumps and bruises and released.

Officers found the Prelude again about 45 minutes later, near the Santa Fe apartments at 1550 E. Fort Union Blvd. The man had attempted to spray paint it green. Police believe the suspect stole another car, a brown Chrysler 300 with license plate B292EL. It was seen speeding away from the apartment complex.

Police have only a sketchy description of the driver: 20 to 25 years old with short brown hair. A woman was also with him during the initial attempted traffic stop. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 801-840-4000.