WEST JORDAN, Utah - A suspect was killed by police in West Jordan Monday afternoon after allegedly robbing a 7-Eleven, stealing a police truck, hitting civilian cars, and brandishing a handgun.
The incident happened at the intersection of 6200 S. and 4000 W around 2:30 p.m.
According to Sgt. J.C. Holt with the West Jordan Police Department, officers initially responded to a call of a robbery at a 7-Eleven near 6200 S. Dixie Drive.
Holt said an officer was close to the robbery when it occurred, and encountered the suspect fleeing on a roadway.
The officer attempted to stop and confront the suspect and exited their patrol truck. The suspect was able to access and gain control of the officer's truck, Holt said and fled the scene.
"Both of them were out of the vehicle; the officer and the suspect, and that is where the suspect got into the patrol truck and took off," Holt said.
Holt stated that the suspect hit two civilian vehicles while driving the officer's truck. "More than one" civilians were said to be injured.
The suspect was confronted by police around a half a block after taking the truck.
Police fired toward the suspect, who allegedly had brandished a handgun, killing them.
"We could hear police sounds coming from all directions," Said Eric Carter, who witnessed the incident. "My kids are here, we are literally five houses away from where this happened, where the gunshots were."
"We are working to figure out exactly what led up to this incident," Holt said.
West Jordan Police responded to the incident, but because it involved one of their officers, the Unified Police Department stated it had taken over the investigation.
The West Jordan Police Department released the following statement on the incident:
"Yesterday's events were tragic and unfortunate. While we are extremely grateful none of the officers involved were physically injured, our hearts go out to the individuals and families of those that were. We are inherently aware these types of incidents affect everyone in the community. They are dangerous, they are ugly, and in general they are very dynamic and leave us all with many questions to be answered. It is terribly unfortunate it occurred in such a public place with so many people around. It is terribly unfortunate it happened at all. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. We thank Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake for their ongoing work and investigation of the incident. We also thank all of you for your support!
Stay safe friends."
