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ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Critical Incident Task Force released information Friday regarding a robbery and subsequent shooting death of suspect Benjamin J. Schroff.
The robbery occurred Thursday, around 1:45 p.m. when Schroff, 37, entered the Zion’s Bank at 717 S. River Road in St. George, the task force said. Schroff, who was wearing a disguise, brandished a firearm and demanded money, the release said. Bank employees complied with the demand, handing over an undisclosed amount of cash.
At this time, officials said Schroff took two female bank employees hostage and got into a vehicle that belonged to one of the women, who drove at his command. Witnesses identified the vehicle and alerted St. George police, and officers attempted to stop the vehicle.
Schroff then began to shoot at officers from the vehicle, using at least two firearms, the statement said. The bullets hit several police vehicles, but no officers were injured and continued the pursuit.
The chase entered Washington City, and at 1575 S. Heritage Fields Drive, Schroff exited the vehicle with his firearms and ran into a field, the task force said. The hostages then drove away.
Police agencies from the area set up a containment perimeter around the field and began searching for Schroff, the release said. During the search, police encountered Schroff, who had a shotgun in his hands and “was taking a shooting position toward police officers,” the task force said. Officers gave verbal commands — with which he did not comply — before two officers discharged firearms at him, “to prevent him from harming the officers or other citizens.”
We, the family, extend our sincerest apologies to all those who were impacted by the actions of our son, brother and father. We are not making any excuses for his actions but hope that your love and support will be shown to his family who is also suffering.
–Family
Medical assistance was called, but Schroff was pronounced dead on scene.
Investigators recovered a handgun and a shotgun and evidence from the bank robbery from the scene. Schroff was wearing a bulletproof vest and was carrying additional ammunition on his person at the time of the shooting, the task force said.
Friday, Schroff’s family, through Spilsbury Mortuary, released a statement about the incident.
“We, the family, extend our sincerest apologies to all those who were impacted by the actions of our son, brother and father. We are not making any excuses for his actions but hope that your love and support will be shown to his family who is also suffering.
“We are also specifically aware of the hostages, bank employees and all directly and indirectly affected that day. We are so sorry that you had to meet him at the lowest point of his life and hope that you will find strength and healing at this time.”
Zions Bank also released a statement Friday, saying counseling was being offered to its employees that were involved in the incident and thanking law enforcement.
“We are relieved that our valued team members are safe. The safety and security of our employees and customers is our top priority. This was a very disturbing incident ... We express our thanks to local law enforcement for their courageous actions, and we are fully assisting them in their ongoing efforts.”
St. George Police Department and the FBI continue to investigate the robbery, while the shooting investigation continues to be conducted by the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Washington County Attorney’s Office at 435-634-5723 or, if after hours, the St. George Police Department dispatch at 435-627-4300.
