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The Salt Lake County District Attorney says all 5 officers were justified in using deadly force against the gunman.
Sandra Yi Reporting
District Attorney Lohra Miller says, Sulejmen Talovic continued to fire at the officers, even after they warned him to drop his weapon. The investigation found, the officers did what they had to do to save lives.
Lohra Miller, Salt Lake County District Attorney: "Each of these officers are heroes, and they have my thanks."
With those words, the Salt Lake County District Attorney cleared all five officers, involved in a gun battle with Sulejmen Talovic.
Lohra Miller: "I know that he was really aggressive in his demeanor towards the police. I know that he used some foul language."
Investigators watched this videotape, shot by a store worker during the shootout. It shows Sergeant Andy Oblad in action.
Lohra Miller: "We all watched as Sergeant Oblad walked directly toward the suspect to engage him. His bravery has particularly impressed this community and the world."
Miller says Oblad and Ogden Police Officer Ken Hammond, who was off duty that night, shot at the suspect. Sergeant Josh Scharman, and officers Dustin Marshall and Brett Olsen had entered the mall from the north side.
Lohra Miller: "The SWAT team approached him from behind, warned him to drop his weapons. He turned toward them, and that's when they opened fire on him. He was turning towards them with his gun at the ready position."
The officers put active shooter training into action. Police plan to review its tactics for future situations.
Chris Burbank: "in fact, we've already been in touch with the Los Angeles Police Department about this situation and we want to get together and do some training and debrief in response to this incident."
The Salt Lake City and Ogden Police Departments are conducting their own investigations as well. The officers remain on administrative leave, until those are done.
