ST. GEORGE — A St. George police officer is on administrative leave after he shot a man who refused to stop walking toward the officer while holding a gun in his hand.
Police spokesman Craig Harding said the shooting occurred Wednesday just after 4 p.m. on River Road, one of the city's main roadways, not far from Dixie Regional Medical Center.
"The officer made a traffic stop, and the guy got out with a gun in his hand. The officer retreated behind his patrol car, called for backup, and shot the suspect once," said Harding. "First aid was administered until an ambulance crew arrived to take the suspect to the hospital."
The officer, who has not been identified, stopped the man's vehicle in the area of 1580 S. River Road. The driver refused to put down the gun even though the officer repeatedly told him to do so, according to a department press release.