SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 15, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City Police officials have released body-cam footage of the officer-involved critical incident (OICI) from June 29, near 5650 W. 700 South.
“A thorough investigation is being conducted by an outside agency, pursuant to the OICI protocol required by state law,” says the news release, which warns that all statements are based on preliminary information. “Additionally, the SLCPD Internal Affairs Unit will conduct a separate investigation.”
The suspects arrested by the Utah Highway Patrol during this incident are identified as 51-year-old Bobby Joe Caster and 39-year-old Jack Colonna.
There are multiple investigations occurring related to this officer-involved shooting. One of the aspects being considered is the possibility that the discharge of the officer’s firearm was unintentional.
The body-worn-camera footage released today ends after UHP troopers begin providing medical aid.
The two videos released today are linked below. Viewer discretion is advised.
“I hope our community understands that we take these matters very seriously,” SLCPD Chief Mike Brown said in the released statement.
“The Salt Lake City Police Department is committed to evaluating our performances to identify opportunities that can improve our training and outcomes. I know firsthand the challenging circumstances our officers face everyday, and I support them as they carry out their difficult and essential duties. As a department, we are grateful the injuries in this case were not life-threatening.”
This is the second OICI for the SLCPD in calendar year 2024.
The Salt Lake City Police Department’s involvement in this case began at 12:25 a.m. June 29, a Saturday, when dispatch received a call and sent two officers, a police K-9 unit and a patrol officer, to the scene.
Prior to SLCPD’s involvement, at approximately 12:10 a.m., a Utah Highway Patrol trooper saw a white Dodge Ram speeding with vehicle-equipment violations. Before the trooper could turn around, catch up, and perform a traffic stop, the truck drove away, the released statement says.
UHP later found the truck abandoned with two doors open, indicating the presence of at least two occupants, the SLCPD account says.
At approximately 12:33 a.m., the two SLCPD officers paired up and began a K-9 track.
During the track, at approximately 12:40 a.m., the K-9 handler began yelling commands after finding one of the suspects, later identified as Caster. As this occurred, the other officer drew his firearm and nearly simultaneously fired one round.
Officers gave additional commands to Caster. UHP took Caster into custody. At 12:46 a.m., the SLCPD K-9 officer and other officers located and arrested the other suspect, Colonna, the statement says.
After being treated by paramedics and medical personnel for a gunshot wound to the hand, Caster was booked by UHP into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a federal hold.
UHP booked Colonna into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on outstanding warrants. Colonna had no injuries related to this incident. There were no other injuries reported.
“At this point in the investigation, the Salt Lake City Police Department is not aware of any weapons being located on or around either suspect,” the police statement says.
The officer who fired his weapon is on paid administrative leave, a standard practice after an OICI.
