SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Marshals Service has identified the suspect they arrested Monday afternoon in the Sugar House neighborhood. During the arrest, members of the Marshals Service shot and wounded the suspect.
The suspect was 42-year-old Daniel Lynn Meinhart. USMS officials say Meinhart was convicted of attempted murder, stalking, and aggravated assault. He was wanted on probation violations and had multiple violent felony warrants for his arrest.
SLCPD said the incident involved a fugitive task force. It took place near Elm Avenue and Lincoln Street (approximately 2150 South and 950 East).
Meinhart was taken to the hospital after being struck multiple times by gunfire. His injuries are reportedly non-life-threatening.
SLCPD said its officers were not involved but were called to the scene to assist after the fact, around 4:20 p.m. The department is in charge of investigating the "officer-involved critical incident."
The Marshals said members of their Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team attempted to conduct a traffic stop, blocking in Meinhart's vehicle. He then drove over a curb and drive on the sidewalk to escape. Shortly after, Meinhart struck a light pole with his vehicle and was forced to stop.
VFAST officers say they attempted to get Meinhart to comply and surrender but were forced to use potentially deadly force. An officer with the service has been placed on routine paid administrative leave.
FOX 13 News spoke with Francisco Rodriguez, a manager at the Burt Brothers near where this incident took place. He said the suspect was the ex-husband of one of the employees at the location and showed up at the store before the incident. He said the man was told to leave several times.
Rodriguez said the suspect eventually left while being followed by several unmarked cars. He said the suspect attempted to go through the Smith's parking lot and eventually hit a light pole.
"It looked like they threw some kind of a shock bomb or something under the car [and] started shooting. I heard a bunch of shots, at least 15 to 20 shots, and then a bunch of smoke and yelling," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez told FOX 13 News that the incident took place in the span of about 5 to 10 minutes.
"I've never seen anything like this, this intense happen with this many people in public, you know, out walking around and stuff. So it was pretty crazy, and I think they did a great job on containing it and keeping everybody safe," said Rodriguez.
Once the investigation has been completed, the Salt Lake City Police Department will refer the case to the District Attorney's Office.
