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FARMINGTON — The family of Chase Allan — a 25-year-old man who was shot and killed by Farmington police officers Wednesday — expressed frustration as they say police will not give them information.
"We have learned more from media coverage about what occurred than anywhere else right now," the Allan family said in a statement late Thursday. "Police are stonewalling us."
"Officers claim it was a routine traffic stop, yet the officer requested multiple other officers to the scene a couple blocks prior to the stop," family members said. "This resulted in the brutal murder of Chase at the hands of five Farmington police officers, with them shooting him while he was still in his automobile and likely terrified for his safety."
Farmington police said an officer stopped a car without a license plate at 3:22 p.m. Wednesday near the Farmington post office. Police said the driver became "noncompliant," causing the officer to request backup.
A "confrontation" ensued, police said, but they have not provided additional details, including whether the man had a weapon or what specifically prompted officers to fire their weapons. The police department has said it will release additional details after the investigation is complete.
"During an attempt to remove the driver from the vehicle, shots were fired and the driver was injured," Farmington police said in a statement late Wednesday. "The driver was removed from the vehicle and medical aid was rendered by officers on scene."
Allan was then taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead later Wednesday.
The family said the officers shot 12-plus rounds at Allan while he was in the car with the engine still running and the lights on.
Photos from the area of the post office on Wednesday showed a vehicle with multiple bullet holes through the windows.
Family members described Allan as "a gracious, loving soul who was known by everyone in his community to be caring, thoughtful, and kind and would do anything for someone in need. ... He was always selflessly helping and protecting others in need."
Allan played soccer at UC Davis and Utah State University — where he received his degree — and he was studying law the past few years, the family said. He lived at home with his parents in Farmington.
"Our family has not been permitted to see Chase and has not been contacted by authorities or justice departments with information surrounding this investigation," the family's statement says. "Our family was not properly notified of Chase's death as next of kin. We found out about Chase's death along with the entirety of our community via news reporters and articles written online."
Farmington Police Chief Eric Johnsen said there are some inaccuracies, or misperceptions in the family's statement.
"We have been working diligently to collect the facts," Johnsen said. He said the police department will release body camera footage and more details on the investigation soon. "I appreciate your patience, we want to do this right and accurately."
