SLCPD Chief Mike Brown Statement on Legal Ruling by Salt Lake County DA

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill determined the use of deadly force by a Salt Lake City police officer on July 20, 2021 to be a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others.

A copy of the declination letter is available through the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Gill wrote the SLCPD officer who used deadly force did so reasonably and only after the involved officer, other SLCPD officers, and members of the public were placed at risk of death of serious bodily injury after being shot at.

Chief Mike Brown released the following statement:

“This situation ended tragically with a death by suicide. It reminds us that we must continue to invest in more services and resources that support mental health care for our community. After a careful analysis of the facts in this case, and reviewing the body worn camera, I am proud of our officers who demonstrated compassion, restraint and excellent policing. They did everything possible to keep things from escalating and to provide help to a person in a mental health crisis.”

Detectives assigned to the West Jordan Police Department, Taylorsville City Police Department and Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office conducted an independent investigation into the deadly use of force. This outside investigation is required under Utah State law.

Pursuant to city ordinance, the Salt Lake City Police Department previously released body worn camera footage from this incident.

The Salt Lake City Police Department has no additional information to release on this case.

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