On Tuesday, July 30 at approximately 11:36 p.m., members of the Price Police Department, Helper Police Department, and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a domestic violence incident outside of Price.
In a news release shared by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the organization states,” During their investigation, officers discovered that an involved male party had left the residence, and his location was unknown. It was also determined that he was potentially armed,” the release continues,” When officers confronted him, he brandished a weapon. In response to this threat, officers from multiple agencies fired,”
The man killed in the shooting has been identified as 31-year-old Patrick Frank Whitten, a resident of Price. The release also revealed that after being shot, Whitten was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
In a statement released by Price City Officials, they express their condolences for those impacted by the shooting,” This tragic event has caused immense pain and sorrow within our community. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families who have experienced such a profound loss, as well as with the brave first responders who were on the scene.” It continues,” We recognize the deep emotional impact this incident has had, and our hearts go out to all those who are grieving and struggling.”
The SBI’s investigation of the shooting is ongoing, with more details to be released as they become available. Follow Castle Country Radio stations to stay up to date with the latest developments.
UPDATE- Sept. 5
Following the SBI’s investigation of the incident, the findings of the investigation were turned over to the Carbon County District attorney, the DA’s Office has opted not to file charges in the death of 31-year-old Patrick Frank Whitten.
In a news release from the Utah Department of Public Safety, the organization states,” The Carbon County Attorney’s Office, operating pursuant to an agreement with participating law enforcement agencies and consistent with established protocols and applicable laws, conducts independent reviews of officer-involved critical incidents, including police officers’ use of deadly force used in the scope of police officers’ official duties.”
According to statements released by the DA’s office, during the incident to which authorities were responding, the report stated Whitten was under the influence of a controlled substance and had threatened to kill his wife. After a lengthy search spanning three miles, the report reads,”(Whitten) ignored officers’ commands, grasped the firearm with both hands and held it at a low-ready position. The tactical light illuminated and (Whitten) raised the firearm toward officers,” at which point the officers fired.
All five officers who fired shots during the incident were found to have been justified in their actions.