The manufacturer of body armor worn by Lt. Fred Floyd House when he was killed has requested that a lawsuit filed by House's widow be moved to federal court.
Ann C. House, Orem, filed suit March 9 in Third Judicial District Court, Salt Lake County, against Armour of America, Los Angeles, and 20 "John Does" whose names are not listed. Armour of America manufactured the body armor House was wearing when he was shot in the chest on Jan. 28, 1988 during the Singer-Swapp family standoff in Marion, Summit County. The fatal shot was fired by John Timothy Singer during an arrest attempt.House's police dogs hesitated and turned back to the building where House and other officers were stationed. House stepped to the open door and signaled the dogs to return to Addam and Jonathan Swapp, who were outside the family's compound.
At that instant, Mrs. House's suit says, her husband was hit by a bullet that "struck and penetrated the insert of Lt. House's `bullet proof' vest and then penetrated the vest, passing through Lt. House's body. As a result, Lt. House died."
Armour of America claims that because the plaintiff and the only named defendant are from different states, a rule about diversity of citizenship requires that the suit be moved to U.S. District Court.