A device police often use to subdue criminals was used against the police Wednesday when a man riding a skateboard "rescued" a friend who had been arrested.
A Salt Lake police officer arrested a man for shoplifting at a grocery store, 876 E. 800 South, about 8 p.m. Wednesday. The officer handcuffed the man and put him in the police car.But an accomplice cruised up on a skateboard and attacked the officer by spraying him with pepper mace. The officer chased after the suspect until he was overcome by the effects of the spray, police reported.
Meanwhile, a third person freed the man who had been arrested for shoplifting and was sitting in the patrol car. The two of them ran away, even though the first man was apparently still handcuffed. Officers continued to look for the three men Thursday. Police believe they know where the men live.