Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MIDVALE — Copperview Elementary School is holding a remote learning day Friday due to a police investigation in the neighborhood.
Canyons School District canceled in-person school for the day as a "precaution" at the request of police, "and for the safety of the school community," said district spokesman Jeff Haney.
The remote learning day was prompted by a police standoff involving a SWAT team just down the street from the school. A Unified police SWAT team responded to a barricaded person in a residence at 8555 S. Monroe Street (200 West) early Friday. Copperview is located at 8449 S. Monroe Street.
The police situation started about 9:50 p.m. Thursday when officers received a call concerning an intoxicated man in Midvale who was believed to be suicidal. When officers arrived at the location where the man was, he rammed one patrol car and sped away, according to Unified Police Sgt. Melody Cutler. Officers pursued him through Sandy and Midvale for about 10 minutes.
"We terminated the pursuit due to his unsafe driving. We also believe he was shooting at officers during the pursuit," Cutler said.
The man's vehicle was found at the Monroe address — just down the street from the original call — just after 2 a.m. Two other people exited the house after police arrived. A SWAT team and and a crisis negotiator were called to the scene. The standoff ended about 10:15 a.m. when officers discovered the man had taken his own life inside the residence, police say.
Teachers will contact parents for direction regarding how students will receive instruction on Friday.
No other schools in the area were closed.
Haney said the district will also notify families where students can go to receive school lunch on Friday, as most students in the area qualify for free and reduced-cost lunches. They will be able to get lunch at Midvale Elementary School.
"We don't want kids to be hungry ... so if children at Copperview Elementary School need breakfast or lunch, they can go to Midvale Elementary School, and we'll provide those meals for them," he added.
Contributing: Kate Davis
