Following the death of a 50-year-old man on Thursday, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) has invoked the officer-involved-critical-incident (OICI) protocol as necessitated by Utah state law. According to SLCPD, the incident began when SLC911 was alerted about a naked, disoriented man rummaging through trash at 800 South 700 East.

SLC911 received additional information that the individual was visibly shaking, prompting both officers and social workers from the SLCPD to quickly yet carefully respond to the scene. Arriving at the scene, the officers found the man in a state of consciousness but unalert, as revealed by their body-worn camera footage. Citing the preliminary review of the incident, Police Chief Mike Brown commended his officers for handling the situation with compassion, providing the man with clothing and blankets before paramedics could arrive.

No use of deadly force or physical interaction by the officers with the man was reported. However, as the man attempted to stand and oppose being seated for his safety and the ongoing investigation, officers handcuffed him while awaiting medical assistance. Subsequently, the man was transported to the hospital by Gold Cross Ambulance where, despite emergency procedures, he passed away. The precise cause of death remains undetermined, pending an examination by the medical examiner.

In the following protocol, the two officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, a standard practice in such situations. West Jordan Police, being part of OICI Protocol Team 4, is heading the investigation. As the policy dictates, any changes in information or developments will be made public as the situation continues to be thoroughly examined and understood.