UTAH: Highway Patrol working to keep roads safe; too-fast driver smacked into trooper’s truck at crash scene: Carbon Sheriff takes over probe of DUI suspect who decided on suicide by Cop

While Troopers were investigating a rollover crash on SR-92 near mile marker 26, a Trooper was hit by another vehicle. the original call was for a white SUV who was travel westbound in the area. The white SUV slid off the road to the right and turned upside down in the North Fork of Provo River. The driver of the white SUV had minor injuries and was checked out by medical. The trooper was inside his vehicle, sitting stationary with emergency lights on in the right shoulder investigating the crash. The Trooper was struck from behind by a passing motorist who was found to be traveling too fast for conditions. The Trooper was transported and checked out for his minor injuries. Roads were closed but are now open. We wish the Trooper a quick and healthy recovery. The Utah Highway Patrol would like to ask drivers to slow down while traveling in the snowstorms and to put away all distractions.

Details on the officer-involved shooting in Emery County of suspected DUI driver who aimed his gun at officers

The Utah State Police report that at about 5:15 pm on Saturday, December 21, 2019, Emery County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received information on a possible DUI driver. When the vehicle pulled over, a male driver exited the vehicle and pointed a handgun in the direction of the Emery County Deputy.

The male driver got back into the vehicle and the Deputy initiated a pursuit as additional units were responding to assist.

A UHP Trooper was able to successfully deploy spikes on the vehicle being pursued. A short time later, the male driver stopped and pursuing officers stopped behind the suspect vehicle. The male exited his vehicle and pointed the firearm in the officer’s direction. An Emery County Deputy and Utah Highway Patrol Trooper involved in the pursuit fired their duty weapons, striking the male. Officers and EMS personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the male was pronounced dead a short time later.

Officer-Involved Critical Incident (OICI) protocol has been activated and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office is assuming the lead investigative role, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation. Supplemental information will be released from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office as additional details are clarified.