SLCPD Involved in Multi-Agency Response to Arson Suspect Shooting at Officers During Pursuit

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is providing information about an officer-involved-critical-incident (OICI) that occurred after an arson suspect shot at multiple law enforcement officers during a pursuit.

The following contains preliminary information and is a summarization of the facts known to the SLCPD at the time of release. There are several investigations underway related to this incident. As those investigations proceed, additional information may develop that could result in some of this information becoming out of date.

“This was an extremely high-risk situation, and the officers involved responded as they are trained—to protect our communities and each other,” said Chief Mike Brown. “I fully support them, and I am grateful for their courage, bravery, and professionalism under such intense circumstances.”

Based on the preliminary investigation, law enforcement in Utah County located a 27-year-old man wanted in connection to a residential arson that occurred in Salt Lake City on January 1, 2025.

The arson occurred at 2665 East 2100 South.

During the investigation, the SLCPD learned the suspect was likely in possession of body armor and firearms.

Around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2024, law enforcement located the suspect in Orem, Utah.

Information about the suspect’s location was shared with law enforcement throughout Utah and Salt Lake counties.

At some point, law enforcement initiated a pursuit of the suspect who was driving a truck.

The suspect refused to stop.

The pursuit entered and then traveled throughout Salt Lake County, including Salt Lake City.

During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple rounds at pursuing law enforcement.

During the pursuit, law enforcement used spike strips to flatten the truck’s tires, but the suspect continued driving.

The pursuit ended around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 12400 South Redwood Road in Riverton, Utah when the suspect crashed his truck.

The crash caused the suspect’s truck to flip and land on its top.

At the termination point, there was an officer-involved-critical-incident involving six (6) agencies, including the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Law enforcement confirmed the suspect died on-scene.

The medical examiner’s office will determine the cause and manner of death.

The SLCPD can confirm that seven (7) of its officers were involved in the officer-involved-critical-incident.

The other agencies involved in the officer-involved-critical-incident are:

·       Taylorsville Police Department

·       Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake

·       Utah County Sheriff’s Office

·       Utah Highway Patrol

·       West Valley City Police Department

The exact number of involved officers from each agency is still being determined.

There are no other reported injuries to officers or community members.

At this time, the name of the suspect is not being released, pending next-of-kin notification.

The involved Salt Lake City police officers will be placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

OICI Protocol Team 4, led by West Jordan Police will be leading this investigation.

There is no other information available for release at this time.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

Additional photo from the scene have been posted to the SLCPD’s X (formerly Twitter) account. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Photo: The West Jordan Police Department investigate an officer-involved-critical-incident involving an arson suspect who shot at officers during a pursuit that spanned throughout Salt Lake County (SLCPD photo – January 3, 2024).

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