CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Code enforcement officer killed in WVC

Aug 9, 2018, 2:41 PM | Updated: 8:17 pm

WEST VALLEY CITY — Smoke filled a neighborhood near 4100 W. Wendy Way (2920 S.), where a home and truck burned and police say a code enforcement officer, revealed as Jill Robinson, was shot and killed.

(Photo Credit: West Valley City)

Robinson worked in code enforcement for over 10 years and is being remembered as a warm person who was adored by her family, and loved playing softball.  Sam Johnson with West Valley City knew her personally.

Johnson says, “She was always very friendly.  She was always quick to smile and wave at you.  She was a terrific person.”

One person, a 64-year old man, is in custody.

Witnesses say the two-story house, outbuildings and the city pickup truck went up in flames around 10:30 Thursday morning.

 

Investigators say, along with the shooting, the suspect is believed to have set two fires, intentionally.

West Valley Police Deputy Chief Matt Elson says, “Her code enforcement vehicle, which was parked out front, was set on fire, as well as the house to the west.”

Police are still trying to determine why the neighboring house was burned, but it appears to be a total loss.

Eyewitness Brittan Keane says he came to the home after seeing a plume of smoke, which turned out to be from the fire city worker’s vehicle.

“Then, I see a guy with a walker and a blue shirt comes walking out and he came across and walked behind the truck.  I was like, ‘He’s going to get burned.  Oh my gosh!  Oh, my gosh!'” Keane says.

That’s when Keane claims the suspect opened fire on the city worker, point blank.  After that, the suspect seemed unaffected while police were arresting him.

He adds, “He was just sitting there, pretty normally.  The neighbors were screaming, ‘He just shot that lady!  He just shot that lady!'”

Nate Reese ran from his home near 4060 West 2920 South. He also heard gunshots but says none came from police.

“I saw the smoke going up, so I decided to come over here. And then I saw the truck was on fire. I got up a little closer and saw everyone yelling over there,” Reese says.

Pam Nichols said her friend, unrelated to the shooting, was hospitalized with bad burns. She had been caring for ailing dogs, which she says all died in the flames.

“They’re the nicest people. She’s the best doctor, a great veterinarian, always rescuing geriatric pets, which is why their house was full of little old dogs that couldn’t get out,” Nichols says. “I was here to try to get the bodies of the pets, and I can’t, because now it’s a crime scene. It’s just really sad.”

Investigators said the code enforcement officer who was killed was at that address in the course of her work for West Valley City. Because she is a city employee, Salt Lake City will be taking over the investigation.

Police said they believe there is a history of code enforcement activity or violations at the address on Wendy Way, though they could not say exactly what that entailed or whether it involved the same code enforcement officer.

Code enforcement officers are separate from the police department; in this case, the code enforcement officer was unarmed.

This story will be updated.

(Photo: Jay Dortzbach) (Photo: Jay Dortzbach) (Photo: Jay Dortzbach)

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged for confronting snowboarder with shotgun

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

14 minutes ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

9 hours ago

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after he allegedly t...

Pat Reavy, ksl.com

West Jordan man shot, killed best friend while trying to ‘be funny,’ police say

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after shooting his "best friend."

18 hours ago

FILE: The bust of 30 pounds of fentanyl in American Fork on March 21 highlights the drug problem Ut...

Heather Peterson and Curt Gresseth

DEA warns fentanyl most deadly drug in U.S. and Utah history

The DEA said Utah is on pace to see double the amount of fentanyl this year than last.

21 hours ago

A woman in SLC was a victim of a hit-and-run on March 11....

KSL NewsRadio

S.L. County DA says driver in hit-and-run crashes stalked victims

The Salt Lake County district attorney said the driver allegedly involved in a series of hit-and-run crashes intentionally targeted his female victims

1 day ago

Teens arrested for killing Alex Franco who is shown in this photo...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Teens arrested in Taylorsville kidnapping-killing investigation to face charges as adults

Two teens that were arrested for the kidnapping and killing of a Taylorsville man will be charged as adults.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Code enforcement officer killed in WVC