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KEARNS — A man who attempted to rob a Kearns restaurant at knifepoint and was shot by police Thursday died from his injuries, officials said.
James Lyle Kuehn, 61, entered Fiesta Olè, 4098 W. 5415 South, Thursday and went into the kitchen, stopping near the register, according to an affidavit. A restaurant worker said Kuehn was "holding a small blade in his hand," which the employee said looked like a "prison shank," the affidavit says.
Kuehn demanded the money in the register, and the worker backed into the kitchen where Kuehn followed him, according to the affidavit. The worker then picked up a 2-foot long "cheese knife" and swung it at Kuehn.
Kuehn retreated and eventually fled the restaurant once several patrons stepped between him and the restaurant worker, the affidavit states. A witness followed Kuehn to a home at 4450 W. 5700 South and told officers about the incident.
Several officers attempted to arrest Kuehn, but he refused to comply and continued to hold the knife at his side, police said. The officers then engaged a Taser device, but it did not have the intended effect, and the man remained uncooperative.
Officers then shot Kuehn. He was transported to a local hospital where he died Saturday, Unified Police Sgt. Melody Gray told the Deseret News.
The shooting was one of six officer-involved shootings along the Wasatch Front since Oct. 10. The shootings have left five dead.
Editor's note: An earlier version of the story stated Kuehn died on Monday. This article has been correct to state Kuehn died on Saturday.
