A man was fatally shot by West Valley City Police on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, after he allegedly threatened hotel employees with a large stick and charged at an officer at a West Valley City hotel complex. The incident, which occurred at the Towneplace Suites, resulted in the suspect being pronounced deceased after officers attempted lifesaving measures.
Initial Police Response
According to a statement from the West Valley City Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Towneplace Suites at 5473 W. Highmarket Dr. at approximately 8:45 am on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. The call originated after hotel employees accessed an outbuilding used for storage and discovered a man inside the structure.
Employees described the man as being armed with a large stick and reported that he was threatening to shoot them, the West Valley City Police Department said. As Gephardt Daily first reported, the man was identified as the suspect in the shooting that occurred at the Towneplace Suites by Marriott.
The Confrontation
Upon arrival, officers encountered the man, who was described by police as being armed with a large metal rod. During the encounter, an officer reported deploying pepper spray. Shortly after the deployment of the spray, calls were received indicating that shots had been fired.
Witnesses at the scene initially described the suspect as running at the officer while holding large metal objects in both hands, according to the West Valley City Police Department. Roxeanne Vainuku, speaking for the West Valley City Police Department, told reporters at the scene that witnesses stated the man charged at the officer immediately before shots were fired.
Medical Response and Identification
Immediately following the shooting, officers began lifesaving efforts to assist the man. Fire department personnel arrived on the scene and took over medical efforts, but the suspect was ultimately pronounced deceased.
As of the time of the initial news conference, the identity of the deceased man had not been determined, according to Roxeanne Vainuku. Witnesses at the scene were being interviewed by authorities following the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
A full investigation into the shooting is currently underway. The West Jordan Police Department's protocol team is conducting the investigation into the incident.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, which the West Valley City Police Department stated is standard procedure for an officer-involved critical incident.
Conclusion
The West Valley City Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Sunday morning shooting at the Towneplace Suites.
