Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Salt Lake police identified Christian Thomas Allen, 60, as the man shot by officers during a domestic call.
- Allen allegedly violated a protective order, entering his ex-wife's home illegally early Tuesday.
- Officers fired during the incident; Allen died. Investigation by Unified Police Department continues.
SALT LAKE CITY — Police have identified the 60-year-old man shot and killed early Tuesday by Salt Lake officers who were responding to a report of domestic violence.
Salt Lake police on Thursday shared a message on the social media platform X stating that they had notified the man's next of kin and identified him as Christian Thomas Allen.
About 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, a woman called 911 and said her ex-husband, Allen, was breaking into her home near Judith Street and Hudson Avenue (approximately 1100 East and 3000 South) in violation of a protective order.
The woman claimed that Allen had previously threatened to kill her. The emergency dispatcher stayed on the phone with the woman even after the man entered the home and the woman and her two teen children hid in a bedroom, according to police.
"The 911 caller also reported smelling gasoline. The source of the gasoline remains under investigation," police said Tuesday.
The first arriving officers entered the home.
"During the incident, at least two officers discharged their firearms. Officers and paramedics provided aid, but the suspect died on scene," Salt Lake police said.
It was unclear whether Allen was armed. No other details about the confrontation were immediately released following the incident, and Thursday's social media post identifying Allen provided no additional information. The ex-wife and two teens were not injured.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, in a prepared statement, said his officers were called to "what appeared to be a life-threatening" situation, while also calling it a "volatile situation."
"We also want to recognize the emergency call taker in this case, who did a remarkable job under a lot of pressure," Redd said. "Their professionalism and calmness during this critical incident exemplify the outstanding teamwork we share with our partners at SLC911."
Because of the police shooting, an officer-involved critical incident protocol was invoked. The fatal shooting will be investigated by the Unified Police Department.
The two officers who fired their guns have been placed on standard paid administrative leave.
Salt Lake police initially reported the man's age was 42, but later said he was 60.
Domestic violence resources
Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: Utah's confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- YWCA Utah Survivor Services: 801-537-8600
- Utah's statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
