Man Killed In Emery County Officer-Involved Shooting

HUNTINGTON, Utah – A man has been pronounced dead after officials said he led authorities on a vehicle pursuit before pulling over and pointing a handgun at police.

Officials with the Utah Department of Public Safety said the incident began around 5:15 p.m. Saturday.

Lt. Jacob Cox with the Utah Highway Patrol said a trooper and deputy with the Emery County Sheriff’s Office.

The dispatch center for the sheriff’s office was given information about a possible DUI driver.

A sheriff’s deputy pulled the suspect’s vehicle over and called for additional officers.

It was then that officials said the man got out of his vehicle and pointed a handgun at the deputy. He then returned to his car and fled.

Officials said a trooper with the Utah Highway Patrol who had responded to the call for assistance was able to deploy spikes.

The suspect eventually stopped. Investigators said the man exited his vehicle again and pointed the handgun towards the officer.

A trooper and deputy involved in the pursuit discharged their service weapons, hitting the male suspect.

According to a release issued Saturday evening, emergency medical personnel treated the man at the scene.

The unidentified man was pronounced dead.

Westbound State Route 31 was closed at milepost 47, and eastbound lanes were closed at milepost 8 in Sanpete County while investigators worked at the scene.

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has been called in to lead the investigation.

Spokesperson John Gleason said the closures were because of the ongoing investigation. Drivers have been advised to avoid the area.

“Law enforcement is conduction the investigation,” Gleason said. “(We’re) not sure how long the closure will last.”

Officials said the officers were not injured.