22-year-old student killed in Provo crash was hit by SWAT member headed to Pleasant Grove standoff

PROVO — A 22-year-old BYU student who died in a car crash on Tuesday was hit by a member of the Utah County Metro SWAT team on his way to a Pleasant Grove standoff, officials confirmed on Thursday.

Joseph Spencer's car was struck while pulling out of a restaurant parking lot around 4 p.m. near 400 North and 900 East. According to Provo Police Sgt. Nisha King, the car was T-boned by the other vehicle, killing Spencer.

Utah County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Spencer Cannon said Thursday that the Utah County sheriff's deputy was driving his personal vehicle and was headed to the incident in Pleasant Grove when the accident occurred.

Residents in Pleasant Grove in the areas between 500 East and 600 East at 500 North were asked to shelter in place while police responded to reports of a man shooting a firearm. The man had allegedly threatened bystanders with the firearm before barricading himself in his home.

Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak, American Fork and Lehi police all responded to the area Tuesday and attempted to negotiate with the man. Pleasant Grove Police Capt. Britt Smith said the man made death threats against the police officers and fired his weapon at them. Officers exchanged fire with the man, and he was eventually taken into custody. Police identified him as Robert Sterling Clark and booked him into jail on suspicion of aggravated assault, attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder, and felony discharge of a weapon in city limits.

Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigative Protocol has been activated in connection with Spencer's death, said Cannon.

At the time of the incident, speed was being investigated as a factor, according to King.

The identity of the deputy was not released.

Related topics