Police officer wounded in Taylorsville shootout applauded as he leaves hospital
Dec 6, 2021, 4:51 PM | Updated: Dec 7, 2021, 10:51 am
People applaud officer as he is wheeled from a hosptal. (West Valley Police Department)
(West Valley Police Department)
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah – The second officer who was wounded in a shootout with a suspect in Taylorsville left a hospital to applause from fellow officers and other well-wishers.
Police still have not released the officer’s name, but he went home after undergoing two surgeries for bullet wounds in his leg and torso. The officer left in a wheelchair on Monday.
The West Valley City Police Department thanked everyone who sent him wishes for a quick recovery. The other wounded officer was treated and released the night of the shooting.
We’re pleased to announce our officer who was shot on December 1, was released from the hospital over the weekend. The officer was hit in the leg, and in the area between the shoulder/chest. He underwent two surgeries to repair his wounds. Thanks to all who’ve sent well wishes! pic.twitter.com/Nfnmr9lIrS
— WVC Police (@WVCPD) December 6, 2021
The shootout happened Wednesday, Dec. 1. Officers from several police agencies were looking for Anei Gabriel Joker in connection with a rape and robbery investigation.
They located him at 9 p.m. at a 7-Eleven at 4110 South and Redwood Road. Joker was inside an SUV with a 9-month-old child and other adults. Police moved in after the adults have left the vehicle.
Anei Joker from 05/02/2021. (Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office)
After lengthy negotiations, Joker released the baby, but refused to exit the SUV. Joker refused to surrender, and around 10:29 p.m., officers fired pepper balls at him.
The first gunshots were fired one minute later, at 10:30 p.m.
When the shooting stopped, two officers and Joker were wounded. Joker died about 30 minutes after he arrived at a hospital.
The KSL Investigators reported that this was not Joker’s first violent confrontation with police.
Officers shot him four years ago after a 100-mph chase. Joker crashed into an off-ramp and ran away on foot before ultimately complying with police orders to sit on the ground, but continually moved his arms toward his waistband several times, police said. That’s when an officer fired.
He had surgery and was released from the hospital a week later.
