Murray man shot after using lighter to ‘propel flames’ towards officers

MURRAY, Utah (ABC4) — A man was taken to the hospital on Thursday after being injured in an Officer Involved Critical Incident in Murray.

According to Murray City Police Department, officers responded to the 100 Block of West Fireclay Avenue at noon to help assist constables in removing a person for a court ordered eviction

When officers arrived, the suspect barricaded themselves in an apartment bedroom and refused to leave. The suspect then allegedly used an aerosol spray and lighter to propel flames to toward officers.

During this MPD believed the suspect was attempting to light the bedroom on fire. Officers evacuated the apartment building, and the fire department was called to the scene.

Officers broke a window and used pepper balls to get the suspect to comply. The suspect allegedly attacked officers, leading to an officer to fire their weapon and strike the suspect in the hand. They then surrender to police and were taken into custody, later being transported to the hospital for their hand injury.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave and the investigation has been taken over by the Salt Lake City OICI Protocol team.