SALT LAKE CITY — A federal court jury found a Wyoming man guilty of assaulting a forest service ranger in an incident that occurred last October in Lambs Canyon.
Arron Jereb
Arron B. Jereb, 34, was convicted of assault on a federal officer, possession of methamphetamine, heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia following a four-day jury trial last week, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jereb could face up to 20 years in prison. He was acquitted of harming a law enforcement animal and possession of marijuana.
The convictions stem from incident that occurred on Oct. 15, 2015, when Officer Darren Schiedel came in contact with Jereb and Amber Haanpaa, who had parked in a pull off area in Lambs Canyon.
An investigation turned up methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the car. Schiedel issued them mandatory appearance to appear in federal court, the release states.
“After the suspects were released and the officer jump-started the defendant’s car battery, a series of events put the officer in fear for his safety,” the release states.
Schiedel radioed for backup and remotely deployed his police service dog, Livo, from his patrol car.
During the next several minutes, the release indicates, Jereb assaulted the ranger and the K-9. Both were injured.
Jereb eventually escaped over the ledge of a steep embankment by the road. The release states Jereb was later found by responding officers who arrived to assist Schiedel.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 30.
