Millcreek kidnapping suspect killed by police after teen was held hostage, authorities say

MILLCREEK — A suspected kidnapper was shot and killed by officers late Monday after responding to a reported kidnapping and “hostage situation,” Unified police said.

The Unified Police Department said its officers responded near 3500 South and 2300 East to the call. It was reported to them that the victim was a 15-year-old. Police did not say who reported the kidnapping.

The officers entered the house and encountered the suspect with a firearm, authorities said. Police did not say whether the suspect fired any shots, or if the teen was located inside.

“A shot was fired by police, resulting in the suspect’s death,” UPD said, in a second press release Monday. “A firearm was found on scene.”

UPD’s first press release was sent to the media just before 2 a.m., which stated officer-involved protocol had been activated. It is not clear what approximate time the shooting took place.

When KSL TV arrived at the scene, police had blocked off an area surrounding multiple homes and a portion of 2300 East.

 

UPD said West Valley police will conduct the investigation.

Reaction to shooting

On Tuesday afternoon, a property owner who knew the man spoke to KSL TV. The property owner asked not to be identified.

“He was a tremendous tenant, he’s been here for 5 years, he’s been a tremendous tenant, always paid his rent on time, extremely honest with me,” the property owner said.

The property owner was shocked upon hearing the news.

“When I heard about this this morning it was tremendously unbelievable,” the property owner said. “I couldn’t believe that (he) was involved in a police altercation. …It just doesn’t add up.”

The property owner also said the suspect appeared to be a good person.

“He was just a tremendous person, and totally unbelievable what happened,” the property manager said.

Contributing: Shara Park, KSLTV