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Knife-wielding suspect shot and killed by homeowner in South Salt Lake

Posted at 4:09 PM, Mar 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-12 23:11:10-05

SOUTH SALT LAKE -- Police have identified a suspect who was shot and killed by a resident in South Salt Lake Friday night, and the resident said he fired after he found the man in his backyard wielding a knife.

According to the South Salt Lake Police Department, officers responded to a home in the area of 3700 South and 200 East around 8:30 p.m. Friday.

When officers arrived, a 37-year-old resident said he had heard a noise in his backyard and went to investigate. Once outside, the man said he was confronted by a male suspect who was armed with a knife.

"The confrontation quickly escalated and the [68-year-old] male suspect was shot and later pronounced dead at the scene," according to a press release from police.

A second press release issued later Saturday identified that suspect as David Antonio Trujillo. Police have not yet found a current address for the man but said he frequented various hotels and motels in South Salt Lake.

Police stated the case is being investigated, but no arrests have been made so far. The resident involved made one of the first calls to 911 and is cooperating with the investigation.

Once police conclude their investigation, the case will be turned over to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, who will screen the case and determine if charges will be filed.

The motive for the suspect's actions remain under investigation. The name of the resident who fired on the suspect is not being released at this time.