Farmington man charged in federal court with violent attempted carjacking

FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4) — A federal grand jury charged a Farmington man Monday in the case of a violent attempted carjacking in Salt Lake City earlier this month, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

On Jan. 3, Kay Elder, 36, allegedly approached a 57-year-old victim parked at a Home Depot located at 328 West 2100 South in Salt Lake City.

Officials said Elder opened the driver’s side door and began yelling at the victim to get out of the car and hand over the keys. The victim reportedly exited the car and Elder attempted to “strike and kick” the victim but missed.

Elder allegedly then grabbed the victim and threw him into a tree. Officials said the victim fell to the ground and remained there while Elder got into the victim’s car and tried to drive away.

According to the release, the victim still had the car key FOB, and Elder was unable to drive away.

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Witnesses reportedly saw what happened and called police. Officers arrived at the scene and found Elder running from the car into oncoming traffic.

Police attempted to stop Elder, but he continued to run from officers, reportedly ignoring multiple commands to stop.

Elder allegedly then grabbed a metal sign from a nearby gas station and threw it at the officers chasing him. The officers then tased Elder and took him into custody, officials said.

Elder is charged with attempted carjacking. He made his first court appearance on the indictment on Jan. 22 at the Orrin G. Hatch U.S. District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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