Investigators: Self-Defense Possible In Layton Shooting Of Idaho Cop
Feb 22, 2019, 6:18 PM | Updated: 6:33 pm
LAYTON Utah – Investigators are looking into the possibility that a homeowner who shot and killed an Idaho police officer in Layton Thursday night was acting in self-defense.
Around 6:45 Thursday night, the initial 911 call came in from the home in Layton. Police say 35-year-old, Blaine Reed entered the home uninvited and started a physical altercation. They say the homeowner was inside with Reed’s ex-girlfriend at the time.
KSL received the police dispatch audio which shed some light on the events as they happened.
“This is occurring now,” a 911 operator can be heard saying. “The complainant says a Blaine Reed came into his home and the caller shot him.”
As officers raced to the scene, a dispatcher tried to direct life-saving attempts.
“We’re trying to have the caller do CPR,” the dispatcher said. “There are multiple wounds to (Reed’s) central area.”
As the first officer showed up on scene, he wanted to make sure the man who fired the shots was no longer armed.
“He needs to come outside,” an officer can be heard saying. “I’m not going to go in.”
Inside the home was 35-year-old Blaine Reed, a three-year veteran with the Idaho Falls Police Department with several gunshot wounds.
“The initial investigation is showing that the individual forced himself into the home or went into the home uninvited,” Layton Police Department Leuitenant James Petrie said.
Police say Reed’s ex-girlfriend, also inside the home at the time, witnessed everything.
“It was a physical altercation taking place and there was fear from the homeowner on additional bodily harm being done,” Lt. Petrie said.
According to the Idaho Falls Police department, Officer Reed had been placed on administrative leave in October of 2018 due to a domestic violence incident in Idaho with pending criminal charges. It’s not clear if the two incidents are related.
In a statement, IFPD said, “We are saddened by the news of his passing and the events surrounding this tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”
KSL spoke with neighbors who said they are saddened by the shooting in their neighborhood. The homeowner has lived in the neighborhood for more than a decade.
The investigation is ongoing and all the evidence will be sent to the Davis County Attorney’s office to screen charges.
If the homeowner is found to have acted in self-defense, it’s unlikely any charges will be filed.
