8/6/25 Spartanburg, SC – Officers Called To The Westgate Mall For A Man Attacking And Threatening Customers – When Officers Arrived The Man Jumped Into A Patrol Car And Tried To Steal It – Taser Had No Effect – Big Struggle – Arrested

A man was arrested Tuesday after attempting to carjack vehicles and steal a police car at Westgate Mall in Spartanburg, according to police.

Officers with the Spartanburg Police Department were called to the Westgate Mall at 4 p.m. after a man was reported to be attacking and threatening customers. Police said mall security removed the suspect from inside the mall, where he then attempted to assault people and carjack vehicles.

The suspect charged one of the police vehicles when officers arrived on scene, and forced himself inside. The officer had not exited the vehicle yet and the suspect continued to attempt to steal the car while partially sitting in the officer’s lap, police said.

Police said they attempted to use a Taser on the suspect, but it had no effect. The suspect then punched an officer in the face and officers used the Taser a second time, which still had no effect.

Citizens in the area helped police by holding the suspect’s legs down while he was placed in handcuffs by police.

The suspect was arrested and transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. Police said the charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

The suspect’s family members said he had jumped out of their vehicle during a mental health episode, according to police.