Man allegedly attempted robbery, assaulted police officer

Man allegedly attempted robbery, assaulted police officer

(Salt Lake County Jail)


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SALT LAKE CITY — A man was arrested Monday night after he attempted to rob a Wal-Mart and attempted to assault security and police officers, officials said.

Makuthe Deng, 31, arrived at the Wal-Mart on a bicycle at 350 W. Hope Ave. around 10:30 p.m. and began taking multiple items, including a bike and a hammer, Salt Lake police Det. Richard Chipping said.

Security officers notified police when they observed Deng's behavior and told them he looked like he was shoplifting, officials said. When Deng attempted to leave the store without paying for the items, security officers confronted him.

As Deng attempted to leave the store with $458.70 and he brandished a weapon to "facilitate his escape," according to Deng's booking sheet. Security officers then confronted him and he began swinging the hammer at the officers, officials said.

When police officers arrived at the scene, one of them brandished a handgun and Deng turned to him, swinging the hammer back and forth and yelling at the officer to shoot him.

Another police officer eventually deployed a Taser, which caused Deng to fall down. He was then put in handcuffs and taken into custody, officials said.

Deng was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail in connection with aggravated robbery, use or possession of drug and disturbing the peace.

There were no injuries reported in this incident.

As of Tuesday afternoon, charges had not been filed against Deng.

Contributing: Ben Lockhart

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