FARMINGTON, Utah — A man is dead after police shot at his car in the parking lot of the Farmington Post Office on State Street and 200 East Wednesday afternoon.
According to KSL TV’s Ladd Egan, a vehicle appeared to have at least eight bullet holes remained at the post office long after shots were fired.
A photo shows a sedan with several bullt holes through the windows in the parking lot of the Farmington Post Office. (Ladd Egan/KSL TV)
A press release from the Farmington Police Department says that the car was driven without plates, by 25-year-old Chase Allan.
During a traffic stop, investigators say the driver became non-compliant with the initial officer, who instructed the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver refused, according to the media statement.
“The initial officer called for assistance from other officers. During an attempt to remove the driver from the vehicle, shots were fired and the driver was injured. The driver was removed from the vehicle and medical aid was rendered by officers on scene,” according to the press release.
Allan was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Police Chief Eric Johnson says that this incident called for 20% of the Farmington police force.
The Davis County Critical Incident Protocol Team was activated and is conducting the investigation. Details of this incident will be released upon completion of the investigation.
Five Farmington City police officers are placed on administrative leave as per department policy. There were no injuries to any of the officers.
Farmington City released the following statement:
“The Mayor’s Office sends heartfelt condolences to the Allan family and all those affected by the recent police incident that occurred in our City. We are a community. We love our community, we love our neighborhoods, and we love our families. We understand that this is a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved.
Words are often an imprecise medium for accurately covering thoughts and beliefs. I will try to explain my feelings on this complicated topic. Please excuse my linguistic failings or the fact that I’m not addressing every nuance of the incident.
Much has been said by those who were not present. Speculation, even when motivated by a desire to learn more, can lead to further misunderstandings and, worse, to the proliferation of misinformation. Very few people actually saw the interaction between Mr. Allan and the officers of the Farmington police department. The release of the body cam footage will help to answer the questions on many people’s minds. We understand that a full release will be forthcoming in a matter of days. There are procedures and protocols in place to protect and ensure the integrity of the investigation. The department is unwilling to do anything that would jeopardize the investigation. We understand the need for transparency and the simultaneous need for investigative integrity. I ask for patience as the department releases the footage.
While we wait, the City recognizes the daily efforts of the City’s officers to keep our community safe. Please remember, they are human. They too experience anxiety, stress, trauma, and even fear in high-pressure situations. They often deal with the worst that human life has to offer (fatal traffic accidents, child abuse and neglect, suicides, assaults, etc.).
We acknowledge that many of you are closely following this incident, as are we. As our City moves forward through these difficult times, we also respectfully ask that all refrain from spreading rumors, engaging in speculation, or making accusations based on incomplete or unverified information. It’s imperative that we let the investigation run its course and trust the justice system to provide a fair and impartial resolution for all parties involved. To ensure impartiality, the City is not involved in the investigation.
Our condolences and sympathies go out to everyone impacted by this incident, and we recognize that healing is a long and challenging process. There are a lot of emotions that we can choose from right now. Rather than hate and vitriol, evidenced by demonizing rhetoric, we should choose compassion, love, and peace.
Every citizen, every family, and every member of our police department are an integral part of our community. It is my plea that we mutually commit to ensure that everyone receives the same compassion and empathy that we would want for ourselves and our loved ones.
Very Truly Yours,
Mayor Brett Anderson”
KSL NewsRadio’s Mark Jackson contributed to this article.