A man wanted in connection with an arson investigation in Salt Lake City fired multiple rounds at officers while leading police on a chase from Orem to Salt Lake City to Riverton overnight, police say.
At the end of the pursuit, the 27-year-old man was shot and killed by officers from multiple jurisdictions.
"This was an extremely high-risk situation, and the officers involved responded as they are trained — to protect our communities and each other," Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown said in a statement. "I fully support them, and I am grateful for their courage, bravery and professionalism under such intense circumstances."
The man, whose name has not yet been released, was wanted for starting a fire at 2665 E. 2100 South on Wednesday.
"During the investigation, the Salt Lake City Police Department learned the suspect was likely in possession of body armor and firearms," Salt Lake police announced Friday.
About 11:30 p.m. Thursday, that man was located by police in Orem.
"Information about the suspect's location was shared with law enforcement throughout Utah and Salt Lake counties," police said.
After officers made contact with the man, a chase ensued. The pursuit went all the way into Salt Lake City and around the county, according to police.
"During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple rounds at pursuing law enforcement," Salt Lake police said.
Officers were able to successfully spike the tires on the truck the man was in, but he continued driving. About 12:30 a.m. Friday, the chase ended when the truck crashed at 124000 S. Redwood, flipped and landed on its top.
At that point, police say there was some kind of confrontation and the man was shot and killed by officers from six agencies, including Salt Lake police, Taylorsville police, Unified police, Utah County sheriff's deputies, the Utah Highway Patrol and West Valley police.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
