SALT LAKE COUNTY (ABC4) — The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against a West Valley City SWAT officer who shot and injured a suspect during a standoff.
During an hours-long SWAT standoff on December 15, a WVCPD officer shot and critically injured Steven Allen Whites, who had allegedly fired towards officers.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: West Valley City standoff ends with suspect critically injured
After an extensive review, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office (SLCoDA) has declined to file charges against the WVCPD officer, ruling that his use of deadly force was justified and that a jury would be likely to agree.
Background
On December 15, around 7:59 a.m., an individual called 911 and reported that a driver pointed a gun at her after a traffic collision. She had taken a photo, which allowed officers to identify the vehicle as one registered to Steven Allen Whites.
At 9:21 a.m., WVCPD officers responded to Whites’ home and attempted to make contact with him. Whites exited his home with his hands in his front hoodie pocket. After commands from officers, he removed one hand and officers saw part of a black handgun in his hoodie pocket…