PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

July 9, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com 

SLCPD Issues Statement on Officer-Involved-Critical-Incident

SALT LAKE CITY — Tonight, the Salt Lake City Police Department invoked the Officer-Involved-Critical-Incident Protocol (OICI) after an arson suspect threatened to shoot both firefighters and police officers and then pointed a gun toward officers.

This investigation started at 8:07 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022 when SLC911 received information about a man who lit his yard on fire near 1400 South Utahna Drive.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department initially responded to the fire but requested the assistance of the police department after the man started threatening to shoot firefighters. As officers responded, they received additional information that the suspect had access to firearms.

Responding officers located the man at his residence. Officers could see smoke billowing from the yard. The officers kept a safe distance and began multiple attempts to communicate with the man. The suspect went inside his house and came out with a firearm and pointed it at officers. Shots were fired by officers. As part of the investigation, the OICI protocol team will work to determine whether the suspect fired any rounds during the incident.

The two involved SLCPD officers were not injured.

After shots were fired, the man retreated into his house. Officers continued to communicate with the man to peacefully surrender.

After negotiations with patrol officers, the man surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

Paramedics transported the man with non-life-threatening injuries to an area hospital.

“Tonight, while responding to protect our brothers and sisters with the Salt Lake City Fire Department and neighbors, two of our officers found themselves in a situation that required them to use deadly force,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “I’m proud of our officers’ courage. This was a dynamic situation that put them, and potentially others, in imminent danger. I would also like to acknowledge the bravery of SLCFD who stayed on scene ready to protect neighborhood homes from catching fire and then immediately provided medical care to the suspect.”

As standard procedure and in accordance with department policy and state law, the SLCPD invoked the OICI Protocol. OICI Protocol Team Two is leading the investigation.

The two officers involved in the shooting are now on paid administrative leave, which is standard department procedure.

Anyone who has photos, videos, or may have witnessed this incident should call SLC911 at 801-799-3000 and reference case 22-129713.

A SLCPD PIO responded to the scene to provide media updates.

No additional details are available for release. Neither the PIO nor the On-Duty Watch Commander are available for any further interviews.

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