Police officer, suspect injured in South Jordan shooting

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — A police officer is recovering in the hospital after authorities say he was shot by a man in South Jordan Friday night.

Officials with the South Jordan Police Department said two officers responded to a home in the area of 10450 South and Tarali Court around 8 p.m. to look for a man involved in a recent recovered stolen vehicle case.

“They made contact with some people that live at the residence. They allow the officers in to go look for him. We encounter him, I believe, in the basement, and he comes out of a bedroom, firing at officers,” said SJPD Lt. Matt Pennington.

One of the officers was struck in the lower leg.

Pennington said officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times.

Both the suspect and officer were transported to a local hospital where they underwent surgery.

Police said the officer is currently in stable condition, while the suspect is in stable but critical condition.

“You never think that maybe this is going to happen,” said Pennington. “We try to prepare for it and be safe, which is why multiple officers are here, but as far as tonight’s events unfolding, I mean, do we anticipate that? No. But are we prepared for it? Hopefully.”

The cul-de-sac where the shooting occurred was closed for some time Friday night while authorities investigated the scene.

According to Pennington, those in the area were asked to stay indoors.

10400 S (Miner’s Mile) is back open but the neighborhood into Gladys Dr. Remains closed. It sounds like police are working to clear the scene. Waiting for official update from @SoJoPoliceFire. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/loNf7EGRFC

— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) November 27, 2021

Police said the Salt Lake County officer-involved critical incident protocol has been invoked and that Team 2 is investigating the incident.

“Per department policy, the officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal review of the incident,” read a press release from the South Jordan Police Department.

#BREAKING: Major police presence in South Jordan. @southjordancity police tell me 10400 S is closed between Redwood Rd. and 2200 W. Only PD and Firefighters are getting through right now. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/xjQeJ1wXoN

— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) November 27, 2021

Pennington said the incident hit home for the small department of 70 officers.

“It’s hard for all of us when you get that call,” he said. “Thankfully, it’s not worse. But yeah, nobody wants to get the call we all got tonight.”

Dawn Ramsey, the major of South Jordan, posted on social media just after midnight, saying, in part, “Praying for our SJPD officer who was shot by a suspect tonight, and sending love and gratitude to our entire SJPD family.”

Praying for our SJPD officer who was shot by a suspect tonight, and sending love and gratitude to our entire SJPD family. Thank you for keeping all of us safe! #WeAreSoJo pic.twitter.com/WUbTQz3vuv

— Dawn Ramsey (@dawnmama6) November 27, 2021

Gov. Spencer Cox also shared a brief statement on Twitter.

“Our hearts are with this brave officer and his family as we pray for his full recovery. We are once again filled with gratitude to the brave men and women who daily put themselves in harm’s way to serve and protect their fellow citizens,” read the tweet.

Our hearts are with this brave officer and his family as we pray for his full recovery. We are once again filled with gratitude to the brave men and women who daily put themselves in harm’s way to serve and protect their fellow citizens. https://t.co/RoS1eZOkja

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) November 27, 2021

The identities of the suspect and officer have not been released.