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MIDVALE — A Midvale man was hospitalized in critical condition Sunday after he was shot during a confrontation with Unified police officers.
But investigators believe the man's critical injuries were the result of a self-inflicted gunshot. At least one officer also fired at least once during the incident, but police were uncertain Sunday whether he hit the man.
"We're not sure if the officer hit or missed him at this point. We suspect the gunshot is self-inflicted," said Unified police detective Ken Hansen.
Michael Huggard, 35, was shot at least once in the head and remained in critical condition Sunday, Hansen said.
About 1:40 a.m. an officer pulled over a motorcyclist at 920 E. South Union Ave. (7220 South) who police said had been driving recklessly. Hansen said the rider, Huggard, has a history of being uncooperative with Unified police, and this confrontation was no different.
"The motorcyclist was aggressive and acting like he was reaching for a gun," Hansen said.
A second officer arrive a short time later as backup.
Huggard continued to reach behind his back as if he were trying to get a weapon, the detective said. One of the officers attempted to use a Taser on the man because of his lack of cooperation. It was at that point the motorcyclist actually pulled out a gun, he said. Several details about the incident remained under investigation Sunday, including whether the man pointed his gun at officers, whether one or both officers fired their weapons and if they fired more than once. Hansen did not know how many total gunshot wounds Huggard suffered.
The names of the officers involved were not immediately released. Both will be placed on standard paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department.
According to court records, Huggard was convicted of drug-related crimes in 2003.
