This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Ogden police seek the public's help in finding a fugitive who fought off an arrest, drove away and struck a police officer before abandoning his car and escaping into a wooded area.
Ogden police Lt. Tim Scott said officers spotted a suspicious vehicle parked at 800 Binford St. just before 10 a.m. Tuesday. When they approached the man sleeping inside, he awoke and when questioned gave police what proved to be a bogus identity.
A struggle ensued when police tried to take the man into custody, during which the suspect sped away, striking an officer approaching the driver's side.
The injured officer was treated for bruises and abrasions at the hospital and released, Scott said.
The suspect jumped out of the car a few blocks away, running into a forested area near the El Monte Golf Course. Police, despite using search dogs, were unable to locate the man.
Scott said that documents inside the abandoned vehicle led police to believe the suspect may be 25-year-old Michael Thomas Taren, sought on felony theft and possession of burglary tools arrest warrants. Scott said Taren now will face additional counts including assault on a police officer and fleeing police.
Taren, who has lived at various locations in Weber and Davis counties, also is listed as a convicted sex offender, Scott said.
According to Department of Corrections records, he is white, 6-foot, 170 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has numerous tattoos on his arms, hands and back, and goes by aliases including "Big T," "New York" and "Clay."
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call OPD at 801-395-8221.
Twitter: @remims