Davis Co. DA declines to file charges against officer who fatally shot suspect in hostage situation

FARMINGTON, Utah — Davis County District Attorney Troy S. Rawlings has declined to file charges against a Salt Lake City SWAT officer who shot and killed a man who fired a shot into a car before stealing it, led police on a chase through Davis County and took five people hostage in a Farmington home in September.

Chief Mike Brown with the Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed Rawlings’ decision Wednesday morning.

“Our officer made a difficult decision, relying on his training and experience, in a fraction of a second to save the lives of those being held hostage by a complete stranger,” Brown said. “There is no other way to put it – his actions were heroic. He is a dedicated public servant, and I am proud he is among our ranks. I would like to thank Davis County District Attorney Rawlings and the investigating detectives for their comprehensive review on this case.”

Officers responded to the incident in a Farmington neighborhood on Sept. 10.

Carjacking suspect shot, killed by police after hostage situation in Farmington

Assistant Police Chief Devin Rogers with the Clearfield Police Department said officers were searching for 32-year-old Joseph Manhard, who was considered armed and dangerous, following reports of an aggravated assault.

Manhard was wanted on previous assault charges stemming from incidents that happened earlier that week in Layton and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Police said Manhard abandoned his car in the Freeport Center and fled the area on foot before he fired a shot into a car and stole the vehicle following a struggle with the female driver.

Manhard then attempted to ram a police vehicle in Sunset and entered southbound Interstate 15, where state and county authorities attempted to stop him as he traveled toward Farmington.

Police spiked the vehicle near Glover Lane and said Manhard fled into a nearby neighborhood, entered a home in a cul-de-sac on Tuscany Cove and took five people hostage.

Officials said those five people were later rescued from the home with only some minor injuries reported.

Authorities confirmed later that day that a SLCPD SWAT officer shot Manhard, who was airlifted to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

SLCPD officials also acknowledged that neither the sniper nor his spotter had their body cameras activated, and they could face disciplinary actions.

Body camera footage not available in Farmington hostage incident

Chris Bertram, a retired deputy chief of police and law enforcement consultant, argued that as the law currently stands, the sniper — likely a hero in the case — could technically face disciplinary action.

“There probably needs to be a provision written in their policy that says listen, they are not violating their policy,” said Bertram. “As I read the policy, they’re violating their own policy and that is not what those officers should face.”