Man arrested for attempted hijacking of TRAX train

SALT LAKE CITY — A man had to be put in a restraint after attempting to break into a TRAX driver’s cab to force the train to return to a missed stop.

Isaiah Spendlove, 27, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of assault, obstructing the duties of a police officer, failing to disclose his identity and assault with intent to hijack a bus, according to a police affidavit.

On Saturday morning, Spendlove attempted to intimidate the driver of a Utah Transit Authority TRAX train at 150 S. 400 West, according to police.

The affidavit said Spendlove “banged on the door” to get into the cab and force the conductor to back the train to a stop he had missed.

Police reported that the TRAX driver and another passenger yelled at Spendlove to get off the train. Spendlove then began punching the other passenger “in an attempt to attack him,” the affidavit states.

During the alleged assault, UTA police officers arrived and attempted to arrest Spendlove, the affidavit states. Police reported that Spendlove resisted officers and attempted to remain on the train.

“Officers were able to remove (Spendlove) from the train and subdue him to the point where he was able to resist,” the affidavit states. “(Spendlove) was wrapped in a taco wrapper for restraint and transport.”

According to police, Spendlove refused to identify himself to officers until he was in jail.