PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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SLCPD Invokes Officer-Involved-Critical-Incident Protocol (OICI)

SALT LAKE CITY — Tonight, in compliance with state law, the Salt Lake City Police Department has invoked the officer-involved-critical-incident (OICI) protocol following the death of a 50-year-old man.

The following contains preliminary information and is a summarization of the facts known to the department 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those investigations proceed, additional information may develop that could result in some of this information becoming out of date.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is required, under Utah state law, to invoke the OICI protocol when a case meets the definition of a qualifying OICI incident.

This investigation started at 4:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, when SLC911 received information about a man described by a community member as naked, disoriented, and going through trash near the intersection of 800 South 700 East.

As officers responded to the scene, SLC911 received information from a second 9-1-1 caller that the man was shaking.

Due to the information provided by community members, social workers assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department also responded to assist.

SLCPD officers arrived on scene, contacted the man and found him to be conscious, breathing, but not alert.

The man’s physical condition appeared very thin, weak, and malnourished, based on a preliminary review of body-worn camera footage. The man did not answer any of the officers’ questions.

“I’m proud of how our officers handled this incident,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown said. “They approached this tragic situation with compassion and took steps to help by providing the man with clothing and blankets to warm him up while they waited for paramedics.”

Based on the preliminary investigation, no SLCPD officer used deadly force, as defined by Utah state law, nor is there any indication that the officers on scene fought, or used physical force, with the man during their interactions with him.

Officers requested the Salt Lake City Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance respond for a psychological evaluation and medical treatment.

Officers handcuffed the man shortly before paramedics arrived, as he repeatedly tried to stand despite instructions to remain seated during the investigation and while waiting for medical assistance.

Gold Cross Ambulance took the man to the hospital.

SLCPD officers and social workers followed the ambulance in separate vehicles.

The man’s condition worsened while being driven to the hospital.

Despite lifesaving efforts, the man died at the hospital.

The specific cause and manner of death is not yet known and will be determined by the medical examiner.

The two officers who interacted with the man will be placed on paid administrative leave, which is a standard procedure.

OICI Protocol Team 4 (West Jordan Police) is 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.

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