MIDVALE, Utah — The passenger who fled a traffic stop before barricading themselves inside a dump truck and pointing a weapon at a police officer's head, sparking an hours-long standoff on State Street in Midvale, has died.
Due to the standoff, State Street from 7200 South to 7500 South was closed, with a shelter-in-place order being issued for residents in a nearby neighborhood.
The incident began just after 3:20 a.m. when Unified Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop near 7200 South. Before the vehicle came to a stop, a passenger, identified as 41-year-old Luis Gomez from Provo, jumped out and fled the scene on foot.
The vehicle was stopped via a "high-risk stop" by officers a short distance later.
During a search for Gomez, an officer discovered him in the bed of a dump truck. Gomez allegedly pointed a firearm at the officer's head before barricading himself in the truck.
A SWAT team, along with armored tactical vehicles from multiple agencies, were deployed to the standoff scene as police attempted to negotiate with Gomez. During the standoff, police said Gomez fired at and disabled a drone being used by law enforcement.
At 8 a.m., police said Gomez shot himself and was declared dead at the scene. State Street was reopened a short time later, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted.
"We understand the emotional toll incidents like this can have on the community and want to express our gratitude for the public’s patience and cooperation," police said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all affected by this situation."
