Non-fatal shot fired after man makes ‘concerning comments’ at University of Utah, suspect arrested

Update 3/2/25, 10:32 a.m.:

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Salt Lake City Police have provided new details in the case of a man making “concerning comments” at the University of Utah campus Saturday before fleeing police.

At around 4 p.m. on March 1, SLCPD received multiple reports of a man with a weapon near 300 South 1300 East. Witnesses claimed the individual had multiple firearms and was in someone’s backyard without permission.

Police responded and identified the suspect as Jeffrey Chadwick Jackson, 39.

Jackson fled police at the scene and during the chase, Jackson’s dog reportedly became aggressive and attempted to bite an officer. As a result, an officer fired their gun, striking the dog.

Both Jackson and the dog ran from the scene, police said. Police also learned that Jackson had allegedly stolen a bike from campus.

Officers later found the dog with a non-life-threatening injury to its back paw. Salt Lake County Animal Control took in the animal for further care.

At around midnight on Sunday, a community member called police and reported seeing Jackson near 600 East 400 South. Police responded to the scene and brought Jackson into custody.

Jackson was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on charges of felony theft, and is being screened for fleeing police and trespassing.

No further information is available at this time.

Original Story:

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The University of Utah has issued a safety alert after a man made “concerning comments” on Saturday. The suspect is reportedly still at large.

At around 4 p.m. on March 1, Salt Lake City Police responded to a report of an individual making “concerning comments” in the area of 300 South and University Street. During the response, police fired a non-fatal shot due to an aggressive dog at the scene.

The animal was minorly wounded by the shot, police said.

The suspect — identified as Jeffrey Jackson — reportedly fled the scene and was last seen headed west on 200 South toward downtown Salt Lake City.

Jackson is still at large at this time, police said. He is described as a White male wearing black tights, a black hoodie, sunglasses, and carrying a red backpack.

Police have also located a bicycle Jackson allegedly stole from campus earlier in the day Saturday.

If you see Jackson, or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Salt Lake City Police at 801-799-3000 or University of Utah Police at 801-585-2677.