Man on SLC unit's most wanted list arrested in WVC


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WEST VALLEY CITY — One of the Salt Lake Metro Gang Unit's most wanted fugitives was arrested Wednesday with the assistance of a K–9 officer, police said.

Someone called in a theft at 3492 S. Eastcreast Road and the description of the alleged thief matched 24-year-old Stephen Corey Ray Hammer, said Unified Police Lt. Lex Bell.

Hammer and a woman who is out of prison on parole were quickly located by police, Bell said. Officers surrounded a home in the area about 7:30 p.m., but Hammer and the woman reportedly refused at first to come out.

"They told (Hammer and the woman) the (K–9) dog would be coming in to get them if they didn't surrender, and they made the wise choice and surrendered (about 8 p.m.)," Bell said. "We try every option to not have to go that extra step and start using force or bringing a SWAT team out. … People are afraid of dogs, especially police dogs."

Hammer likely has about "a dozen felony warrants as well as a federal warrant that was just signed today" for his arrest, Bell said.

"It's gratifying to finally catch up to (Hammer)," he said. "This is a person we've arrested multiple times, and every time he gets out, he reoffends immediately, so we're hopeful that this time we're able to keep him incarcerated for some period of time and maybe figure out some solutions to what is causing his issues."

The name of the woman Hammer was with wasn't immediately released. Bell didn't immediately elaborate on the theft the two were allegedly carrying out Wednesday.

Hammer was first named as one of the Salt Lake Metro Gang Unit's most wanted fugitives in August. He earned the ominous distinction after allegedly pointing a handgun at an officer following a theft at Macy's on 4835 S. Highland Drive on Aug. 20.

(Photo: Salt Lake County Jail)
(Photo: Salt Lake County Jail)

Bell said at the time that Hammer was growing more and more violent while carrying out crimes.

Hammer also escaped police during a vehicle chase Aug. 26, according to Bell. Hammer's tires were spiked during that chase that began near 4300 South and 1300 East, but he eventually avoided capture on foot, the lieutenant said.

Police believe Hammer has a history of selling firearms to gang members, though he reportedly does not belong to a gang. Hammer, an alleged drug addict, has also committed burglaries while looking for guns, investigators have said. He has allegedly fled from pursuing officers several times since the summer.

Hammer was charged in July with drug possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a restricted person and unlawful acquisition of a financial card. He was also charged with failing to stop at the command of police in another case in the same month.

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Ben Lockhart

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