The multi-agency chase of an arson suspect that culminated in officers firing their weapons, resulting in the suspect's death, was captured on bodycam footage that the Salt Lake City Police Department released, as reported by FOX 13. The pursuit took place on the night of Jan. 2, after Tanner Cottrell, the individual linked to the arson of a home in Salt Lake City the prior day, fled in a stolen truck and was later spotted in Orem, Utah, initiating the chase and firing at officers before crashing into a Riverton residence.
During the incident, no officers were harmed but Cottrell, 27, was shot and pronounced deceased at the scene Cottrell had reportedly stolen a Ford F-350 and was seen entering Salt Lake City on the evening of the chase, officers from multiple jurisdictions including the Taylorsville Police Department, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, Utah Highway Patrol, and West Valley City Police Department, collaborated in the effort to apprehend him, according to KUTV.
"Tactical armored vehicles were requested to enhance officer and community safety," a press release states, underlining the tense nature of the operation as gunfire was reportedly heard coming from Cottrell's vehicle, as KUTV described. The foot pursuit followed after the crash, leading to the fatal shooting captured on bodycam footage.
Further investigation revealed that firearms and a ballistic vest may have been stolen from the arson scene, this information came to light on Jan. 1, when fire personnel responded to a 2600 East block of 2100 South residence for a structure fire determined to be arson, Cottrell was identified as a suspect following the arson investigation and was linked to the subsequent events, as detailed by ABC4. The body camera footage, now public, provides a visceral account of the pursuit's harrowing conclusion.
