Man could face homicide charge in bank robbery

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SALT LAKE CITY — A man police say was involved in a bank robbery that ended in a fatal police shooting has been booked into jail for investigation of aggravated homicide, even though it police who fatally shot his partner.

On Friday, an armed man robbed Zions Bank, 701 E. 400 South, and fled in a vehicle driven by another man.

The car was stopped near 1600 West and 400 South where the passenger got out and ran. During the ensuing foot chase, the man made an "overt" movement, prompting the pursuing officer to fire. Steven Charles Leonard, 63, was killed.

Jason Gibson, 37, the driver, was taken into custody by another officer. Gibson was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, both first-degree felonies, felony fleeing and reckless driving.

Under Utah law, because Gibson's actions contributed to the death of an individual during the commission of an aggravated felony, he can be arrested for homicide, said Salt Lake City Police Sgt. Shawn Josephson.

Several details about the case remained unanswered Monday, including whether Leonard fired any shots at officers or if he was armed at the time he was shot.

According to Utah court records, Leonard has a lengthy criminal history of mostly misdemeanor crimes, but was last charged in Utah several years ago.

Gibson took a plea in abeyance in 2001 for operating a private club without a license and eventually had the charges against him dismissed.

Email:preavy@ksl.com