Fallen Provo police officer honored throughout Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — A fallen Provo police officer is being honored around Utah Sunday morning after he was shot while apprehending a fugitive, later dying from his injuries in the hospital.

The shooting occurred near the Bed Bath and Beyond in Orem located at 50 W. University Parkway, according to Provo police detective Nick Dupaix. Officers came to the area after being tipped off that a wanted fugitive was there.

In an attempt to capture the individual, the officer was shot and quickly transported to Utah Valley Hospital in critical condition. He later died from the severity of his injuries, Dupaix said. The fugitive was arrested and also treated at the hospital, but with minor injuries.

After the officer’s death, he was transported to the medical examiner’s office in Taylorsville and was saluted by a line of members of law enforcement as his body was brought in.

Law enforcement officers are feeling the loss of their comrade, who’s name has not yet been released. Utah Highway Patrol tweeted, “It is gut wrenching to hear of the overnight loss of one of our brothers from @ProvoPolice. UHP is honored to continue to assist in any way possible while your department mourns this dreadful tragedy.”

Orem Fire Department said, “We stand strong with our Brothers in Blue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Provo Police Department and the family of our fallen brother. Your legacy will be honored and not forgotten. May you Rest In Peace. God speed!”

Members of the local law enforcement community are not the only ones feeling the loss. Sean Reyes, Utah’s Attorney General, said, “Hearts breaking here at UtahAGO for the loss of yet another member of our law enforcement family. Prayers are with Provo PD and the family of this fallen hero. Can’t express sufficient thanks to all our first responder heroes for risking their lives every day for us.”

Provo Police Department will be hosting a press conference at 2 p.m. on Sunday to provide more information to the public about the fallen officer and what transpired during the event.

Though the officer’s name has not yet been released, those who knew him have expressed their regret for his loss and their gratitude for his service.

"He was always out here working hard and he was willing to give everybody else the credit for it," Dupaix said. "He was one of those guys that was willing to listen to you no matter what walk of life you came from."

This is the second Utah police officer to die in the line of duty since the end of November. A police officer in South Salt Lake, David Romrell, was killed on Nov. 24 when he was hit by a car while trying to arrest two burglary suspects.

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