In a recent and sobering development, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) followed through on mandated transparency practices by releasing body-worn camera footage that documents an officer-involved shooting taking place on October 29. The incident, which ultimately led to the death of 47-year-old Jose Hernandez, occurred in possibly a moment of dispute that disrupted the peace of an otherwise mundane street near 2100 South and 300 West in Salt Lake City.
The events unfolded as SLC911 received a call indicating a man had been attacked. The caller, as per the Salt Lake City Police Department, abruptly disconnected twice after asking for assistance, providing fragmented information, and raising even more questions about the incident. In response, officers arrived at the scene to find Hernandez seated on the curbside, who declined medical attention and was uncooperative when questioned about the altercation.
The situation escalated quickly as Hernandez took landscaping rocks, placed them in his sweatshirt, and began to walk away despite officers’ commands. He then armed himself with one of the rocks, vigorously dismissing the repeated calls to disarm. According to footage, an officer prepared a Conducted Energy Device (CED) as Hernandez continued to defy orders, further heightening the tension…