OGDEN, Utah — A man died early Sunday morning after being shot by police officers in Ogden.
“These types of incidents take an unseen toll on all the people involved,” said Ogden Police Chief Eric Young.
Police said they were called Eccles Avenue near 200 North around 1 a.m. The caller said there was a drunk man outside “acting erratically” with a gun.
When officers arrived, the man allegedly pointed the gun at them and ignored their commands. The officers then shot him, and he died at the scene.
It's not known at this time whether the man shot his weapon, nor how many officers fired at him. There were seven total officers who responded to the scene, and all of them are on paid administrative leave as the incident is investigated by the Weber County Officer Involved Critical Incident team.
The man's name has not been released, but police said he was a man in his 20s who had been convicted of violent felonies in the past. He was therefore not allowed to legally own a firearm.
“The Ogden City Police Department responded to calls of this nature at the house previously,” Young said, “Where the same male threatened to use firearms against himself and the police department.”
The man was reportedly outside his own home when the shooting occurred.
“I’ve been doing this job for over 30 years now and it’s always been a dangerous job,” Young said. “But I honestly believe it’s a far more dangerous job than when I was out working these same jobs as these officers are now.”
The family of the man told FOX 13 News that their brother’s actions were a reflection of his poor mental health. They said they hope his story can help others who are also struggling.
If you or anyone you know are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, there is a mental health hotline you can call by dialing 9-8-8.
