Police: Man fatally shot by officer after threatening to kill family member

OREM, Utah — One man was shot and killed after police say he threatened to kill a family member who was hiding in a bathroom.

Officials with the Orem Police Department said officers were called out to a home near 400 E. Heather Road around 12:05 a.m. Friday after receiving reports of a man “having a mental episode, threatening suicide and possibly armed with a firearm.”

Officers from multiple agencies arrived at the home and eventually the man called dispatch, where police say he made threatening comments and said he had a gun and explosives in the home.

Police then entered the home and found the suspect trying to break into a bathroom where a family member was hiding.

“The subject was contacted in the bathroom where he was making threats to kill the family member,” Orem police said in a statement. “At this time shots were then fired by an officer to stop the subject from killing the family member.”

Police say the suspect was treated on scene but died from his injuries.

The family member was safely escorted from the home, and Orem police have initiated the officer-involved protocol team to begin an investigation into the shooting.

All officers and family members were not injured in the incident. The suspect’s identity was not released by police, who said more information would be released at a later date.

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Domestic violence resources

If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available.

• The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
• Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website
• In an emergency, call 911

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app  or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-33888)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.