Police say 29-year-old suspect Riche Santiago shot first before he was taken down by officers yesterday evening at the Park Place apartments in central Salt Lake City. They had been responding to a hung up 911 call when they ran into Santiago. Photo: Kelli Pierce
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Police say the man killed in an officer-involved shooting yesterday shot at their officers first before they returned fire.
Detective Greg Wilking says officers responded to a hang-up 911 call at the Park Place apartments on 700 South and 300 East around 7:00 yesterday evening.
“Our officers arrived on scene, encountered a male who produced a gun, and actually shot at our officers. Our officers returned fire. Medical aid was rendered, and he was declared deceased on scene,” Wilking said.
That man was later identified as Riche Santiago, age 29.
A gun was recovered at the scene, but police would not say what type it was.
Wilking also called the officer-involved shooting situation “dynamic and quick”, mirroring earlier statements from witnesses, who said the gunfire took less than a minute.
The two officers involved are on paid administrative leave.
West Valley City Police have taken over the investigation. They will determine who placed the 911 call and why. They will also look at body camera footage, as well as determine if Santiago was allowed to be at the complex.