COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to strike a Cottonwood Heights Police officer with his car.
63-year-old Richard Carroll Parlette is facing a third degree felony charge of aggravated assault in an attempt to use force or violence to injure.
According to a probable cause statement, Parlette was driving southbound on Brighton Way to the intersection of Bengal Blvd. on Tuesday.
A Cottonwood Heights Code Enforcement Officer was taking down political signs on public property near the intersection.
Parlette continued for approximately 200 feet, pulled over onto the shoulder of the road, then flipped a U-turn and accelerated to a high rate of speed, the charging documents state.
The officer was attempting to cross Bengal Blvd when Parlette’s car sped toward him. Parlette then drove his car over the center turn lane and partially into the westbound travel lane, intentionally aiming his vehicle at the CHPD officer. Parlette honked his horn and the officer jumped out of the way as the car missed him by about one foot.
Parlette then drove off through neighborhood roads.
Witnesses had obtained the vehicle’s license plate number. Officers identified the driver and went to Parlette’s home the next day. He confirmed he was the driver in the incident and was taken into custody.
