1 dead, 1 injured following Spanish Fork confrontation

1 dead, 1 injured following Spanish Fork confrontation

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SPANISH FORK — One man was shot in the arm early Friday, followed by the gunman taking his own life after officers located him two hours later, police say.

The incident began about 2:20 a.m. when two men, ages 18 and 19, agreed to meet at Spanish Fork High School, 99 N. 300 West, to fight, said Spanish Fork Police Lt. Matt Johnson.

Investigators believe the two had an ongoing conflict over a girl.

About 15 people showed up to see the altercation. When the 19-year-old man arrived at the school in the passenger seat of a vehicle, the 18-year-old walked up to the door and told him to get out of the car, Johnson said.

That's when the 19-year-old brandished a handgun, he said. The other man tried to grab the gun, and in the process was shot in the upper arm.

The gunman then fired an additional three to five rounds in the air as he drove off, and at least one round in the direction of a bystander, according to Johnson. The 18-year-old victim was treated at a local hospital for a minor gunshot wound and was later released.

Investigators believe the 19-year-old was then driven to a residence in Spanish Fork, where he left in a second vehicle with another driver. About 4:20 a.m., Payson police spotted that vehicle near 900 East and 400 North in Payson. It was pulled over by Payson officers and Utah County sheriff's deputies.

The driver of the vehicle complied with the commands of officers, stopped his car and put his hands out the window so officers could see them, Johnson said. The 19-year-old in the passenger seat, however, took a gun and fatally shot himself, he said.

The identities of those involved were not immediately released Friday. Johnson said the county attorney will review the case to determine whether either of the two drivers should face criminal charges.

Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-691-5433
  • Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386

Online resources

Warning signs & how to help

What to do if you see warning signs of suicide

  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.

Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

What to do if you see warning signs of suicide

  • Do not leave the person alone
  • Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
  • Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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Pat Reavy

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