Man arrested for allegedly stealing vehicle, attempting to ‘drive-stun’ SLC officers

SALT LAKE CITY — A man was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly stole a vehicle and then attempted to use a personal electrical device to “drive-stun” officers in Salt Lake City.

Officials with the Salt Lake City Police Department said the incident began at 7:52 a.m. when a woman called 911 to report seeing a man steal her car.

Police say the stolen vehicle was located in the area of 980 South State Street with a man still inside. Officers attempted to arrest him, but he took off running.

“During a brief foot chase, the man reached into a pocket and pulled out a personal electrical device and attempted to ‘drive-stun’ officers,” stated a release from the SLCPD.

A “drive-stun,” according to the release, occurs when an electrical device makes contact with a person’s body and delivers a non-lethal amount of electrical shock to temporarily incapacitate a person.

The man was safely taken into custody, but police say “he remained physically non-compliant throughout their interactions.”

No officers were injured during the incident.

Police say the man, who allegedly refused to give his name to officers, was being evaluated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

Just before 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, police said officers had booked 21-year-old Sione Faluku in the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of several charges, including assault against a police officer, theft of a motor vehicle, interference with arresting officer, and failure to disclose identity.

Officers booked 21-year-old Sione Faluku in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of: Assault Against a Police Officer, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Interference with Arresting Officer and Failure to Disclose Identity. There are no other updates at this time. #slc #ut #slcpd pic.twitter.com/8zYF2oKRXj

— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) April 20, 2022

Police say the stolen vehicle did not appear to be damaged and was given back to the registered owner.