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SOUTH SALT LAKE — Two South Salt Lake police officers who exchanged shots with an armed man, resulting in the gunman's death, have been cleared by the South Salt Lake Civilian Review Board.
On Sept. 26, about 11:45 p.m., two South Salt Lake police officers responded to a report of a man with a gun of near 400 East and Robert Avenue (2500 South). The officers approached the scene and "an exchange of gunfire occurred," South Salt Lake police spokeswoman Danielle Croyle said at the time.
Jebb Muir, 44, died at the scene. One officer was taken to a local hospital to be treated for an injury that was not life-threatening.
On Monday, Jason Keffer, vice chairman of the city's Civilian Review Board, issued a prepared statement on behalf of the board saying that it had unanimously determined the officers' actions were "reasonable." The letter noted that the department's own internal affairs investigation concurs with the findings and Chief Jack Carruth has recommended both officers be allowed to return to full duty after earlier being placed on administrative leave.
The statement also provided additional details about what unfolded that day.
Police were first called to Muir's home earlier that evening, prior to the fatal confrontation, as a standby for a civil issue.
"During that encounter, complainants alleged that Jebb was suffering with psychosis, suicidal ideation, and had previously barricaded himself in a house and prepared firearms during an encounter with police. At that time of the standby, police did not observe significant signs of mental illness or violence," according to the statement.
By 11:10 p.m., police began receiving 911 calls regarding Muir, stating that he was armed and threatening officers. One of the officers who responded to that call was also one of the officers who went on the civil issue earlier, the department said. He called Muir in hopes of a peaceful resolution, but police say Muir hung up on the officer.
Muir was then located by officers about two blocks away from his home after police said they learned that he had threatened a man with a rifle.
"As the first two arriving officers exited their car, Jebb reached for a shotgun and fired at officers. The two officers fired at Jebb, killing him. Given the immediacy of danger to the public, the significant risk factors, including known firearm possession, multiple threats against civilians and officers, and self-defense against lethal force, the South Salt Lake Civilian Review Board finds that the two officers' use of deadly force reasonable," according to the statement.
"The board's findings were unanimous. The board commends the two officers for their composure and discipline, particularly the officer who maintained his leadership and control over the situation after being struck in the head by buckshot. In addition, the board would like to commend the officer who reached out to the decedent, trying to use any rapport to resolve this incident without violence," Coffer continued.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office is also reviewing the shooting to determine whether the officers' actions were legally justified.
