Police agencies across Utah mourn death of Provo police officer

January 5, 2019 Utah Channel 3

ST. GEORGE — The state of Utah is mourning the loss of a Provo police officer after he was shot and killed Saturday evening.

Just before 10 p.m. Saturday, the Prove Police Department received word that a wanted fugitive would be at a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Orem, Provo Police Detective Nick Depaix said in a press conference. As responding officers attempted to apprehend the suspect, a shooting occurred.

“One of our Provo officers was hit, and he was rushed to the hospital,” Depaix said. “Unfortunately, one of our brothers succumbed to his injuries and has passed on.”

Dupaix said the suspect is in custody and received medical treatment for minor injuries.

As with all officer-involved shootings, Dupaix said a team is conducting a full investigation. Findings of that investigation will be released as they come, he said.

Although the officer’s name will not be released until 2 p.m. Sunday, Dupaix described him as being one of the hardest-working officers the department has ever had, as well as being humble.

“He was one of those guys who was willing to listen to you no matter what walk of life you came from. He was always there to show someone respect as well. Didn’t matter if you were a criminal or a high-class citizen.”

Police agencies across the state have expressed their condolences through social media, including the Cedar City Police Department.

“We join with the Provo Police Department in honoring the life of our brother in blue who died tragically last night during a shooting incident in Orem,” Cedar City Police wrote on Facebook. “Rest easy brother, we have the watch from here.”

The tragic loss follows the death of officer David Romrell of the South Salt Lake Police Department, who in late November was struck and killed by a vehicle that was apparently fleeing from a burglary.

According to an Associated Press report, more officers have died in the line of duty in 2018 than the previous year. In 2018, 144 federal, state and local officers died.

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