Two Salt Lake City police officers shot and wounded a man brandishing a knife during a violent psychiatric crisis on the night of August 31, 2026, near 600 East and 400 South. The incident, which involved a man striking vehicles, prompted a large police response and the activation of an officer-involved critical incident protocol.
Initial Calls and Confrontation
The confrontation began around 8:20 p.m. when emergency dispatchers received calls regarding a man running into the road and striking vehicles and windshields. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the man was screaming in the street and may have been intoxicated. One caller reported the man was exhibiting psychotic and violent behavior, creating a dangerous situation for those in the area.
Escalation of the Incident
Officers arrived at the scene near 575 East 400 South within minutes of the initial calls. Police reports state that officers encountered the man near the drive-thru of a business at 8:33 p.m. and issued several commands for him to sit down, which the man refused. As the man attempted to leave, he encountered other officers and brandished a knife toward them.
The Shooting and Injuries
The situation escalated when an officer deployed a Taser, firing four probes that proved ineffective. The man then ran east toward 600 East. As a police officer in a vehicle attempted to stop him, the man ran around the vehicle and into a parking lot on the east side of 600 East. While in the parking lot and roadway near a Burger King restaurant, the man continued to brandish the knife. Following repeated commands to drop the weapon, two officers fired their weapons, striking the man.
Investigation and Aftermath
The man was transported to a local hospital with injuries. While Salt Lake City Police Department Chief of Staff Glenn Mills told reporters on September 1, 2026, that the man's injuries were serious but he was expected to survive, the department later stated the injuries were non-life-threatening. No officers or bystanders were injured during the encounter. The department confirmed they are aware of reports that a non-involved vehicle was struck during the incident and stated they will account for every round fired.
Protocol and Investigations
The Salt Lake City Police Department has activated the officer-involved critical incident (OICI) protocol in response to the shooting. Protocol Team 2, led by the Unified Police Department, is conducting an independent investigation to determine the exact sequence of events. As a standard practice, the two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
Department Response
The incident resulted in the closure of 600 East north of 400 South for several hours. The police department stated it has reached out to the individuals involved to provide available city resources. Chief of Staff Glenn Mills noted that while the confrontation unfolded quickly, the department is cooperating fully with the protocol team to review the incident, including police video of the shooting.
Identity Unconfirmed
The identity, age, and name of the man were not immediately released by authorities following the incident.
