LOCAL NEWS

Man shot, killed by police after firing on officers — the 4th Utah police shooting death in 5 days

Jan 4, 2025, 8:04 AM | Updated: 9:27 am

A South Jordan police vehicle is pictured in South Jordan on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (Steve Griffin, ...

A South Jordan police vehicle is pictured in South Jordan on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (Steve Griffin, Deseret News)

(Steve Griffin, Deseret News)

SOUTH JORDAN — The South Jordan Police Department said a man got into a shootout with officers after police responded to a vehicle theft on Friday night. The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he died.

A press release from the South Jordan Police Department said the incident started near the area of 9400 South 4600 West at 10:23 p.m. Friday.

“Officers on scene made contact with a male inside a vehicle. The subject fired at officers and officers returned fire,” the release said.

Police said the man then fled on foot, and was later found in a backyard nearby. The release said “multiple agencies” closed in on him.

“During the second interaction with the subject more shots were fired. The subject was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment, where he died,” the release said.

The South Jordan Police Department didn’t say if anybody else was injured during the shooting.

The department said the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while an officer-involved critical incident team investigates the shooting.

This was the fourth police shooting death in Utah in just five days.

  • On Monday, Nathan Paul, 43, was shot by police in West Point, Weber County, who were responding to a domestic violence incident at a home near 670 N. and 2300 West. Family members told officers that Paul “was possibly suffering a mental health episode.” A Davis County sheriff’s deputy and Clinton police officers responded and said they discovered that Paul was armed. “Attempts to deescalate the situation both verbally and with two nonlethal options were ineffective. As the situation developed, two Clinton officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect,” police said.
  • On Wednesday, West Valley police responded to 3310 W. Enterado Ave. and discovered the bodies of Terri Bertelsen, 63, and her husband, Kerry Bertelsen, 67. They also encountered the couple’s adult son, Erik Bartelsen, 35, and he was shot and killed by police “during an encounter.”
  • Police shot and killed a man in Riverton early Friday who was wanted in connection with an arson investigation in Salt Lake City. Police say Tanner Merril Cottrell, 27, fired multiple rounds at officers while leading police on a chase from Orem to North Salt Lake to Riverton that started late Thursday. He was shot by officers from six police agencies after the chase ended in a crash at 124000 S. Redwood.

Contributing: Collin Leonard, KSL.com.


This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Club Rec, a snowmobiling business in the Monte Cristo area, said there is still plenty of snow for ...

Mike Anderson

Slow winter impacts outdoor recreation businesses

Casey Pratt said a less-than-ideal snowfall this winter is drawing fewer locals to his snowmobiling business in the Monte Cristo area.

26 minutes ago

Utah's Capitol building during the 2025 legislative session on Feb. 4, 2025. (Andrew Adams, KSL TV)...

Daniel Woodruff

Proposal to ease eviction penalties in Utah dies in Senate committee

A Utah Senate committee voted to kill a proposal aimed at reducing penalties a renter can be required to pay when being evicted.

1 hour ago

For this week's Your Life Your Health, medical specialist Emma Benson explains how one local man wa...

Emma Benson

‘Completely awake’: Quick, safe hand procedures help patients avoid the operating room

For this week's Your Life Your Health, medical specialist Emma Benson explains how one local man was able to resume everyday tasks thanks to a simple in-office procedure. 

1 hour ago

FILE — Police lights shown in West Valley City on Sept. 24, 2024. (Nathanial Gillis, KSL TV)...

Carlysle Price

One person killed in two vehicle collision near Tooele

One person was killed after two vehicles collided near State Route 179 Thursday.

2 hours ago

Protesters in front of the Utah Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025 to protest President Donald Trump and Elon ...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

‘We are the real patriots’: Utahns protest Donald Trump, Elon Musk outside Capitol

Hundreds of Utahns joined nationwide protests in opposition to President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump's top benefactors who has sought to gut federal agencies as a "special government employee."

2 hours ago

...

Mary Culbertson, Michael Houck and Shara Park, KSL TV

Man dies after barricading himself during ‘domestic situation’ in Layton

After a man barricaded himself in a Layton apartment complex, multiple schools were locked under "secure" protocol.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Man shot, killed by police after firing on officers — the 4th Utah police shooting death in 5 days