VERNAL, Utah — A Naples Police Officer sustained minor injuries after a parolee attempted to take the officer’s gun while at a hospital in Vernal, officials said.
Law enforcement from several agencies responded to the emergency room at Ashley Regional Medical Center, 150 W. 100 North, Saturday, on reports of shots fired, according to a press release from Uintah County.
James R. Olson had been taken into custody earlier that day on unrelated crimes and was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Officials say Olson attempted to disarm the Naples Police Officer while at the hospital.
During their struggle the weapon fired.
Olson was transported to the Uintah County Jail where criminal charges are pending.
Naples is about three miles east of Vernal.
Olson is on parole from the state of Oregon, according to the Utah Department of Corrections.
Olson arrived in Utah in November on Interstate Compact transfer and was being supervised by the Adult Probation and Parole office in Vernal.
AP&P has placed a 15-day compact detainer on Olson while Oregon authorities are notified, a warrant is requested and charges are reviewed and potentially field by the Uintah County Attorney’s Office.
