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MURRAY -- A Murray man remains in the hospital Wednesday after he was shot by police outside his home. Officers say the incident began after detectives got a tip that the man's vehicle was involved in a case of road rage.
Murray police officers tracked down 36-year-old Eric Thatcher's car to his home near 500 East and 5900 South around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police say he was involved in an argument earlier in the evening with another motorist a few blocks away.
When officers arrived at Thatchers' home to discuss the argument, his mother answered. Officers watched as Thatcher walked up the stairs from the basement with two rifles in his hands. At that point they backed outside toward their police cars. Thatcher followed them, holding the rifles.
Jeff Maglish of the Murray City Police Department said, "I do know he did hold the rifles in a threatening manner to the point where the officers believed their life or someone else's life was in danger."
Maglish says it's unclear whether or not Thatcher shouted threats at the officers, but both opened fire on him. He was hit once in the shoulder and once in the arm. Police say Thatcher underwent surgery and is expected to recover.
Police have determined the rifles were pellet rifles.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's office is investigating the shooting to determine if the officers' actions were justified. Both officers involved have been put on paid administrative leave, which is department protocol.
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Story compiled with contributions from Shara Park and Randall Jeppesen
