A late-afternoon traffic stop on southbound I-15 just south of Bangerter Highway in Draper turned deadly Tuesday after officers say a passenger refused to hand over a firearm, sparking a struggle that ended when an officer opened fire. The passenger was airlifted to a hospital and later died, according to Riverton officials. The driver was detained at the scene while investigators combed through the vehicle.
What officials say happened
Riverton officers pulled the vehicle over around 4:30 p.m. Court documents state the passenger was armed and refused repeated requests from officers to relinquish the gun, leading to an altercation that ended when an officer discharged a duty weapon, according to KUTV.
Medical crews treated the man on the side of the highway before he was flown to a local hospital. Riverton officials confirmed Wednesday that he did not survive his injuries, as reported by KSL.
Narcotics investigation
Investigators had already been watching the driver’s home as part of an active narcotics investigation, and officers later reported finding a small bag in the car that tested positive for cocaine, according to KJZZ. That report identifies the driver as 47-year-old Shawn Michael Shalosky, who was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance.
Investigation under the officer-involved protocol
The Utah Department of Public Safety says the Salt Lake County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Protocol Team 2 is now leading the investigation, and the officer who fired has been placed on standard paid administrative leave, according to KSL.
UDOT traffic cameras and local news footage captured a long row of emergency vehicles lining the interstate, with southbound lanes closed for hours, as shown in video shared by FOX13.
What comes next
Officials say investigators will review body-worn camera video, traffic-camera footage, and witness statements before making any charging decisions, according to KUTV. No charges related to the shooting have been announced, and the investigation remains active.
Riverton police have not released the passenger’s name, citing the need to notify family members first. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators as they continue to piece together what unfolded on the interstate.
