Taylorsville chase after shots were fired.Photo: Nick Wyatt
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Police in Taylorsville say a manhunt is now over after a tense morning that began with shots fired at police officers near 2200 West 4700 South.
Taylorsville Police Chief Brady Cottam said the man who fired those shots at an officer, then fled on foot, has died by suicide, ending an hours-long manhunt.
Cottam said a Taylorsville police officer attempted to stop a man in the area who looked suspicious in the early hours of Nov. 4, around 4:30 a.m. The suspect then ran away.
“During that foot pursuit, the suspect turned to the officer and fired several rounds. I’m not sure what type of weapon at this point. The officer did return fire and then retreated, took cover,” said Cottam.
The officer was not hurt.
A Department of Public Safety helicopter circled the area while officers continued the search. Residents were told to shelter in their homes. A number of agencies responded to assist with K-9 units.
Officers searching the area discovered a resident of a nearby retirement home was struck in the collarbone area by pieces of glass or building fragments caused by the stray bullets.
The resident was taken to a nearby family member’s residence. Police say injuries were minor.
But after about three hours, Cottam told reporters on the scene the suspect, who was hiding in a window well, took his own life.
“Any time death is involved, none of us want that outcome,” Cottam said.
Details of the suspect have not yet been released.
The investigation now continues in two locations. Bullets, casings, and other evidence is being recovered along 4700 South. Crime scene investigators are also studying the neighborhood area where the suspect turned his gun on himself.