No charges filed for two officers who shot and killed Utah man in Provo
Mar 1, 2022, 7:20 PM | Updated: 7:24 pm
FILE PHOTO (Deseret News)
(Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah — No charges will be filed against two police officers for a shooting that killed a 48-year-old man in Provo on Aug. 24, 2021.
Utah County Attorney David Leavitt announced the decision Tuesday, after the actions of officers from the Major Crimes Task Force was investigated, led by the Lehi Police Department. The investigation finished in December and “necessary follow-up was recently completed,” according to the county attorney.
Former Orem resident Paul Finn Rasmussen, 48, was killed after he was shot multiple times.
“Upon review of the facts and all additional information contained in the various police reports compiled during the investigation, the Utah County Attorney’s office declines to file any criminal charges against either officer. Their departments have been notified of this decision.” Leavitt said in the release.
Members of the Major Crimes Task Force were following Rasmussen, who was believed to be in possession of a firearm and to be distributing narcotics. After attempting a traffic stop on Rasmussen on Interstate 15 in Orem, Utah, he evaded officers by driving through a red traffic light and driving “recklessly at high speeds.”
Officers didn’t follow Rasmussen because it was considered too dangerous but just before 10 p.m. officers spotted Rasmussen at 935 W., 300 North in Provo. He was out of his vehicle and walking away from it when he was confronted by an officer.
“Rasmussen turned and pointed a firearm at the officer,” the release states. “That officer took cover behind a nearby vehicle. Officer Peterson and Deputy Mortensen fired multiple rounds at Mr. Rasmussen.”
He was struck multiple times and died from the gunshot wounds. Law enforcement representatives said previously that the officers attempted to medically aid Rasmussen immediately and that he died an hour later at a hospital.
Tuesday’s release said a firearm was located near Rasmussen and another was located in his clothing.
The officers involved were not injured.
