KINGMAN – A state trooper said his life is forever changed by getting run down by a vehicle driven by a serial fugitive. Trooper August Romanski recounted the traumatic encounter at Michael Malerba’s May 3 sentencing hearing.
Malerba had allegedly fled three previous law enforcement pursuits that were terminated in the interest of public safety and he was a wanted man when authorities tracked him to a fast-food establishment in Kingman on April 21, 2023. Deputy Mohave County Attorney Amanda Claerhout said troopers decided to trail Malerba, 55, into the Hualapai Mountains where he lived with his mother, hoping to achieve a peaceful arrest.
Claerhout said troopers eventually boxed in Malerba’s vehicle near his mother’s home and that Malerba was directed to exit the vehicle at gunpoint.
Trooper Romanski said Malerba at first raised his hands before abruptly opting for aggression.
“He made a decision to put his hands back on the wheel and accelerated toward me,” Romanski told Judge Doug Camacho. “I remember it clearly, as if it was slow motion.”
Romanski said it felt like his life was over when he was struck and knocked to the pavement. He said he struggled to his vehicle and used it to ram and disable the Malerba rig as it circled back toward him.
Troopers arrested Malerba after a brief foot chase.
“I will never forget that day for the rest of my life,” Romanski said. He said the incident resulted in loss of appetite, sleepless nights, nightmares, frustration, anger and mental health counseling.
“I am making progress but I feel I will never be the same,” Romanski said.
A trial jury convicted Malerba of aggravated assault, two counts of endangerment, unlawful flight and criminal damage. Judge Camacho ordered a 20-year prison term.
Malerba still awaits prosecution for the initial trio of alleged unlawful flight cases. Attorneys are trying to resolve those by plea agreement. Dave Hawkins
