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SALINA, Sevier County -- A man trying to flee from officers has died from a gunshot wound after resisting arrest.
Jeffery J. Sorensen, 43, of Redmond, Utah was shot by a Salina City Police officer Friday around 8:30 p.m. after the officer attempted to arrest him for DUI. As the officer was handcuffing Sorensen, the man attacked the officer and a fight ensued before the officer shot Sorensen.
Sorensen was immediately treated by EMTs and officers from the Utah Highway Patrol, the Sevier County Sheriff's Office and the Salina City officer. Sorensen was rushed to the Sevier Valley Hospital by ambulance, but died as a result of the gunshot wound.
"We feel bad for the family. They have to be devastated. What do you say to them?" said Salina Police Department Chief Greg Harwood. "We just feel terrible that happened."
Investigators said the officer noticed alcohol in the car and after doing some field sobriety tests attempted to arrest Sorenson.
"When he went to put the handcuffs on him, that's when it broke out," said Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis. "The incident was a very minor incident and we had a tragedy come out of it."
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on a mandatory administrative leave as the Sevier County Sheriff's Office perform an investigation. His name is not being released at this time.
"You never know what you are going to run into -- a home grown local boy and a tragedy occurs," Harwood said.
Investigators still don't know why Sorensen attacked the officer but it's not the first time they've dealt with him.
"He does have a history. He was recently released from prison about four months ago," Curtis said. "We've had him in our jail before for intoxication. Things like that -- alcohol related."
Officers are wishing this tragic event could have ended without anyone getting hurt. However, they believe the officer had to do it to defend himself.
Email: acabrero@ksl.com
