UTAH — On the morning of July 22, 2015, a Weber County Deputy observed an individual riding a skateboard down the middle of the travel lane on Washington Blvd. at about 4100 South. The subject, later identified as Everett Gerdes, 23 years-old of Washington Terrace, was traveling at a fairly high rate of speed. Washington Blvd. is a highly traveled State road and Utah law requires pedestrians to use the outside edge of the roadway on the shoulder for obvious safety reasons and so as not to impede traffic.
The deputy tried to make contact with Gerdes by pulling in behind him with his emergency lights on and by tapping his air horn. Initially, Gerdes refused to stop but eventually pulled over. The deputy asked Gerdes for identification which he refused to provide. The deputy approached Gerdes and continued to ask who he was. Gerdes refused to identify himself and was argumentative. While the deputy was speaking with him, Gerdes suddenly jumped back on the skateboard and tried to flee. When the deputy grabbed onto him to try and stop him, Gerdes became combative. A fight ensued between them and at one point Gerdes tried to choke the deputy while on top of him on the ground.
Two passing motorists, a doctor and an off-duty firefighter, stopped to assist the deputy. They helped restrain Gerdes who continued to try and assault the deputy. Gerdes was eventually detained and placed in handcuffs as other officers arrived on scene.
Gerdes was charged with assault on a peace officer, interference/resisting arrest, and prohibited activities by a pedestrian on a roadway. He is being held on $7,370 bond at the Weber County Jail. The deputy suffered minor injuries during the altercation but returned to duty. Gerdes actions and crimes were really senseless considering the deputy most likely would have just issued him a verbal warning for roadway violation and counseled him about proper safety.
The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the two citizens who stopped to help during this incident. It’s nice to know that there are still good people in his world who would put themselves at risk to help others, even when it is a police officer.
