SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 21, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A 50-year-old man who was found naked and disoriented, and going through trash in Salt Lake City’s East Central neighborhood, has died, Salt Lake City police say.
The man was handcuffed by police, the SLCPD statement says, so the incident meets the qualifications of an officer-involved critical incident, which must be investigated by an outside agency.
The investigation began after a call came to dispatch “about a man described by a community member as naked, disoriented, and going through trash near the intersection of 800 South 700 East. As officers responded to the scene, SLC911 received information from a second 911 caller that the man was shaking.
“Due to the information provided by community members, social workers assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department also responded to assist. SLCPD officers arrived on scene, contacted the man and found him to be conscious, breathing, but not alert.”
The man’s physical condition appeared “very thin, weak, and malnourished, based on a preliminary review of body-worn camera footage. The man did not answer any of the officers’ questions,” the SLCPD statement says.
SLCPD Chief Mike Brown said his officers “approached this tragic situation with compassion and took steps to help by providing the man with clothing and blankets to warm him up while they waited for paramedics.”
“Officers handcuffed the man shortly before paramedics arrived, as he repeatedly tried to stand despite instructions to remain seated during the investigation and while waiting for medical assistance.”
The statement added that “Based on the preliminary investigation, no SLCPD officer used deadly force, as defined by Utah state law, nor is there any indication that the officers on scene fought, or used physical force, with the man during their interactions with him. Officers requested the Salt Lake City Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance respond for a psychological evaluation and medical treatment.”
Gold Cross Ambulance took the man to the hospital. SLCPD officers and social workers followed the ambulance in separate vehicles.
“The man’s condition worsened while being driven to the hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man died at the hospital. The specific cause and manner of death is not yet known and will be determined by the Medical Examiner.”
“The two officers who interacted with the man will be placed on paid administrative leave, which is a standard procedure. OICI Protocol Team 4 (West Jordan Police) is leading this investigation.”
Gephardt Daily will have more information as details are confirmed.
