January 31, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage in Officer Involved Critical Incident

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, in compliance with Salt Lake City ordinance 2.10.200, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is releasing body-worn camera (BWC) footage from a case that resulted in an officer involved critical incident (OICI) protocol activation.

The following contains preliminary information and is a summarization of the facts known to the SLCPD at the time of release. Several investigations are actively underway, and additional details may emerge as those investigations progress.

“The release of these body-worn camera videos reflects our commitment to transparency and our dedication to keeping our community informed while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigations,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “This was a dynamic and high-risk situation involving significant public safety concerns. Our officers are committed to maintaining public safety at all times.”

The person involved in this incident is identified as 27-year-old Tanner Cottrell.

At approximately 3:16 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, SLCPD officers assigned to the Liberty Patrol Division responded to a structure fire at a residence near 2650 East 2100 South. The Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLCFD) later determined the cause of the fire to be arson.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, the SLCPD received information suggesting that Cottrell may have been involved in the aggravated arson case. Preliminary details indicated that firearms and a ballistic vest may have been taken from the scene.

Detectives also received information that Cottrell was possibly driving a stolen Ford F-350.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on January 2, 2025, an outside law enforcement agency saw the stolen Ford F-350 believed to be associated to the arson investigation. The exact time and location of when law enforcement initially located the vehicle remain under investigation.

Cottrell, the driver of the Ford F-350, entered Salt Lake City. Officers from multiple jurisdictions began a coordinated effort to safely apprehend him.

During the incident, law enforcement reported gunfire coming from Cottrell’s vehicle. In response, tactical armored vehicles were requested to enhance officer and community safety.

The pursuit extended through Salt Lake City, into North Salt Lake, and then back into Salt Lake City, with additional reports of gunfire during the pursuit.

Law enforcement used spike strips, which damaged the vehicle’s tires, but Cottrell continued driving.

 Around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, near 12400 South Redwood Road in Riverton, Utah, the Ford F-350 crashed. The impact caused the truck to flip and land on its roof.

At the crash location, an officer-involved critical incident occurred involving six (6) law enforcement agencies, including the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Prior to the crash, one SLCPD officer engaged in an encounter that met the criteria for an OICI, as defined by Utah law.

Law enforcement determined Cottrell died on scene. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death as part of its independent investigation.

Seven SLCPD officers were initially identified as involved in this officer involved critical incident.

The other law enforcement agencies involved in the incident include:

·       Taylorsville Police Department

·       Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake

·       Utah County Sheriff’s Office

·       Utah Highway Patrol

·       West Valley City Police Department

There were no other reported injuries to law enforcement or community members.

As is standard procedure, all involved SLCPD officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

OICI Protocol Team 4, led by the West Jordan Police Department, is conducting the independent investigation into this incident.

SLCPD is releasing six BWC videos from officers involved in this OICI. There is no BWC footage from one involved officer.

BWC Video Link 1

BWC Video Link 2

BWC Video Link 3

BWC Video Link 4

BWC Video Link 5

BWC Video Link 6

There are no 9-1-1 calls associated to this incident.

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.

The SLCPD is not available for any interviews related to this case as the investigations are ongoing.

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