COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — Police say a man suspected of robbing two Sandy grocery stores overnight is in the hospital after a brief chase and fight with an officer that resulted in a gunshot wound in Cottonwood Heights.
Police have named Zane James, 19, as the suspect. He is expected to survive.
James has an extensive criminal history. He had a warrant for his arrest as of Tuesday morning.
Sgt. Ryan Shosted says Smith’s at 2039 E. 9400 South was held up around 3:00 a.m., and Macey’s at 7850 S. 1300 East around 6:00 a.m., before the suspect rode his motorcycle into Cottonwood Heights.
“One of our officers, who was just coming into the city to go on duty, actually on-viewed the suspect and recognized him from the description that was out. He tried to stop the suspect,” Shosted says.
Shosted says the shots were fired after a short pursuit near 6600 South 2200 East. It was not immediately known whether the suspect fired his weapon. He is in fair condition. Police say the Cottonwood Heights officer was not hurt.
Salt Lake City is now investigating, per protocol. Any time an officer opens fire, the agency involved asks another department to conduct the investigation.
Meanwhile, the supermarkets are caring for the two clerks confronted by the same armed robbery suspect in Sandy, before an officer shot and wounded him.
“It’s obviously something we wish wouldn’t happen, but our teams are trained in how to handle it to make sure that everyone involved is safe and taken care of,” Macey’s Spokeswoman Rachael Wabel said.
The Macey’s clerk has been offered counselling and time off. Smith’s confirms its clerk is getting the same.
“We are obviously working with all of our teams and talking to them about the situation,” Wabel said.
“We are re-implementing and re-teaching all of the things they should do to handle these situations, should they ever occur.”
Both stores say they want to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
Monday, a West Jordan officer shot and killed a robbery suspect who stole a police truck. That happened near 6200 South 3600 West.
