Police tear gas Heber home after man fires shots, barricades himself inside

HEBER CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Two men are in custody after a four-hour standoff with police that started Tuesday evening after one suspect allegedly fired a gun inside a Heber City home.

According to the Heber City Police Department, the incident began with an argument over a man making several children brush their teeth with an essential oil toothpaste.

The adult victim was upset as the toothpaste reportedly caused a burning sensation in the children’s mouths. During the argument, the suspect allegedly yelled at the victim, telling them to leave. When the victim and the children attempted to leave the residence, located near 200 W 300 S, police say the suspect “became upset and assaulted [the adult victim]” and two children.

The man then fired a gun several times “in an act of intimidation” leading to neighbors calling 911 with reports of hearing gunshots, according to officials.

Officers responded to the scene and contacted him by phone in an effort to de-escalate the situation. After he allegedly refused to cooperate with authorities, and less-lethal force was unsuccessful, a SWAT team arrived on scene.

The suspect and his roommate allegedly engaged in a four-hour standoff with SWAT members, barricading themselves inside the house. Police said the roommate “actively prevented officers from engaging with [the suspect]” and threatened police officers.

Authorities tear-gassed the home and took both the suspect and his roommate into custody.

The suspect is facing two felony charges of possessing a weapon as a restricted person and discharging a firearm, as well as 15 misdemeanor charges related to assault, domestic violence, assaulting a police officer, obstruction of justice, drug possession, and intoxication.

The suspect’s roommate is facing nine misdemeanor charges related to assaulting and interfering with an officer, drug possession, and intoxication.

The department added that the suspect has “a lengthy criminal history” as he has previously been convicted of five felony charges. He was serving probation for previous misdemeanor offenses at the time of the incident.

Several agencies, a Department of Public Safety helicopter, and the drone unit all contributed to safely resolving the incident. The drone unit was used for surveillance and checking the house for other occupants.

“The Heber City Police Department is grateful for the support of all officers and agencies involved in the safe resolution of this dangerous situation. We are committed to the safety and well-being of the community and will continue to work tirelessly to hold those who threaten public safety accountable,” officials said in a press release.