Utah County burglary suspect shot by officers in South Salt Lake

SOUTH SALT LAKE — A man accused of stealing a car from an impound lot in American Fork was shot by officers in South Salt Lake but is expected to survive.

The American Fork Police Department said Kevin Ballew, 36, shot a gate lock over 20 times on Tuesday before driving a silver Honda Civic through the gate. Officers said Ballew owned the Civic and visited the impound lot on Monday to collect a piece of property.

Police warned the public to keep an eye out for Ballew, who was considered armed and dangerous. Late Wednesday, police found the stolen car in a South Salt Lake parking lot near 700 West and 3800 South.

“The individual got out of the vehicle, started to walk away from the vehicle, so officers approached,” American Fork police Lt. Kevin Doyl said. “A foot pursuit ensued. I don’t know how that happened and somehow, during the foot pursuit, shots were fired.”

A release from American Fork police on Thursday explained that when Ballew exited the vehicle, American Fork officers and investigators moved to apprehend him, given the danger Ballew posed to the public.

Ballew fled from officers into an apartment complex and used various areas and objects to hide.

The Department of Public Safety helicopter guided officers on scene to Ballew’s various locations until four officers found Ballew and began to issue commands.

The release states, “At this point, Ballew presented a threat to officers resulting in three of the officers firing their weapons, striking Ballew.”

No officers were injured in the encounter.

Officers provided life-saving care until paramedics could arrive. Ballew was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and is expected to survive.

A handgun was recovered from Ballew’s possession at the time of the shooting, however, it is unknown at this time if Ballew fired his weapon. Three officers were equipped with body cameras at the time of the shooting.

The shooting is being investigated and several officers who were involved in the shooting and they will be placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

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