SALT LAKE CITY -- A Utah Highway Patrolman will return to full duty on Monday after suffering injuries from a shootout in Layton that left the suspect dead.
On Aug. 28, Lt. Paul Kotter was working a shift when he became involved in a shooting situation with 21-year-old Drew Moyer.
Kotter tried to stop Moyer at 3000 North Hillfield Rd., near the Hill Air Force Base south gate, to tell him the roads were closed because of construction.
Officials said the driver, identified as Moyer, smelled of alcohol, then shot Kotter multiple times. Kotter was able to return fire but was shot in the lower back.
Kotter was shot several times with two rounds striking him in the back and two impacting him in the buttocks, according to UHP.
“Lt. Kotter was wearing a bullet resistant vest that most likely saved his life,” UHP stated.
On Nov. 11, Kotter was released to full-time duty as the new commander of the UHP DUI squad.
Kotter was a sergeant at the time of the shooting and was promoted to lieutenant.
