Police: Man Who Allegedly Tried To Break Into West Valley Homes Shot By Officer

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – A 25-year-old man who was allegedly attempting to break into multiple homes was hospitalized after he was shot by an officer, according to officials with the West Valley City Police Department.

The incident occurred near 4800 West & Huntington Street early Monday morning.

Police said they received multiple 911 calls reporting a man was using a crowbar to break windows and attempt to enter some of the homes.

“What we thought was banging must have been gunshots,” said Shelley Gallegos, who woke up to the gunfire. “It was scary.”

“We did receive several phone calls,” said WVCPD Lt. Levi Lloyd. “I know they are working on that right now down the street as far as how many homes were involved or how many people witnessed what transpired.”

Officers arrived at the scene and used a Taser after they made contact with the man.

“At some point, they attempted less-lethal options, which were unsuccessful, and then ultimately, we had an officer … shots were fired and that’s kind of where we are at now,” Lloyd said.

Gallegos said the entire situation was loud and intense.

“Then I heard somebody screaming and they were telling him to lay down stay down, a lot of screaming — a lot of cops out here,” Gallegos said.

The man was taken to an area hospital where he underwent surgery. Lloyd said the man was he was responsive, alert, talking and awake at the time.

The Unified Police Department’s critical incident team is leading the investigation and the officer who fired the shots has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is the department’s standard in officer-involved incidents.