PROVO, Utah, Jan. 7, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Authorities in Utah County have released the funeral arrangements for slain Provo Police Officer Joseph Shinners, who was shot in the line of duty on Saturday night.
Shinners’ funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m., The Provo Police Department tweeted Monday afternoon. The services will be held at the Utah Valley University UCCU Event Center at 800 W. University Parkway, Orem.
There will be a public candlelight vigil for Shinners on Wednesday evening, Jan. 9. Community members who wish to hear remembrances from people who knew Shinners may gather at 48. S. 300 West at 7 p.m., the tweet said.
Early Monday afternoon, Orem police released the name of the suspect in the shooting.
“The male suspect in police custody for the shooting that occurred on Jan. 5 is Matt Frank Hoover,” according to press release from Orem Police Department.
“He was last known to reside in the Fillmore area, but recently had been staying at various locations throughout Utah and Salt Lake Counties.”
Hoover, 40, had two outstanding felony warrants at the time of his arrest. He is now facing charges of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, possession of a weapon by a restricted person and possession of methamphetamine with priors.
Shinners, 29, was killed Saturday night while attempting to apprehend Hoover in the parking lot of a Bed, Bath and Beyond store at 50 W. University Parkway in Orem.
There was an exchange of gunfire and Shinners was mortally wounded just before 10 p.m. while he and other officers converged on the truck the suspect was sitting in.
The three-year veteran of the force was rushed by fellow officers to the Utah Valley Hospital, where he died from his injuries a short while later.
Shinners is survived by his wife and a 1-year-old son.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement Sunday on the young police officer’s death.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Officer Shinners,” the statement said. “It is devastating to mourn yet another death among our brave and selfless police force, and my heart aches for Joseph’s wife and young son.
“We owe an enormous debt to the men and women in uniform who work to protect our communities, and I pray that God will bless this dear family with peace during this very difficult time.”
The flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Utah will be lowered on the day of Officer Shinners’ funeral, the governor’s office said.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information is released.
God bless you joe u did your family proud your a hero