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SOUTH SALT LAKE — A man wanted by police in Utah County for allegedly stealing a car from an impound lot in American Fork earlier this week was shot during a confrontation with officers in South Salt Lake on Wednesday night after police were able to track him down.
The shooting occurred about 8 p.m. in an apartment complex parking lot near 700 W. 3900 South. Kevin Mitchell Ballew, 36, of Provo, whom police had called "armed and dangerous" was taken to a local hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive, according to American Fork police. No officers were injured.
Investigators say Ballew went to John's Towing, 74 S. 500 East, in American Fork on Tuesday to retrieve his Honda Civic that had been impounded.
"Officers found that the front gate had been damaged and was standing partially open. Officers also discovered that a back window of the business was broken out," according to a statement issued by American Fork police. "Officers further found that approximately 21 shots had been fired from a 9mm handgun at the gate's lock, damaging it. The vehicle then rammed the gate as it left the tow yard."
Wednesday night, officers from the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force assisted American Fork police in tracking down the car in South Salt Lake.
"Investigators quickly determined the vehicle was occupied by an individual believed to be the suspect, Kevin Ballew," police said Thursday.
While officers kept surveillance on the vehicle, additional resources, including the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter, were gathered as an arrest plan was generated.
"The individual got out of the vehicle, started to walk away from the vehicle, so officers approached," said American Fork Police Lt. Kevin Doyl. "A foot pursuit ensued. I don't know how that happened and somehow, during the foot pursuit, shots were fired."
According to police, Ballew ran into the apartment complex and used "various areas and objects to attempt to conceal himself."
The state helicopter kept an eye on Ballew and relayed his whereabouts to officers on the ground.
"Four officers ultimately located Ballew and began to issue commands for apprehension. At this point, Ballew presented a threat to officers resulting in three of the officers firing their weapons, striking Ballew. No officers were injured during the encounter," police said Thursday. "A handgun was recovered from Ballew's possession at the time of the shooting. It is unknown at this point if Ballew fired his weapon."
Because the police shooting occurred in South Salt Lake, a protocol team from Salt Lake County will conduct the investigation.
Ballew was charged Tuesday with driving on a suspended license and not having car insurance for an incident that happened in American Fork, according to court records.
