Provo police officer, recovered from gunshot wounds, back on the job

PROVO, Utah — The Provo Police Department has welcomed Officer John Oseguera back to work after a 7-month recovery from gunshot wounds he received in an Officer-Involved Critical Incident.

On Feb. 25, Oseguera, responded to a report of a suspicious man.  When police arrived at the Vista Apartments, the suspect went inside his home and began firing gunshots. Officers returned fire, injuring the suspect.

Sgt. Nisha King, the spokeswoman for the Provo Police Department, said “numerous” calls came in warning the suspect was “acting erratic.” Many of the calls were from “third-party callers,” that were away from the scene, but getting details from witnesses.

Oseguera took two shoots to his lower extremities and a shrapnel wound to his head. He underwent surgery following the incident.

Two officers were put on leave following the exchange. The Utah County Sherriff’s Department led the investigation.

Because Officer Oseguera was involved in shooting a suspect, the Officer Involved Critical Incident response was put into place by Utah County Attorney General David O. Leavitt.

The suspect was later identified as Keith Justin Taylor, 44 of Provo Utah. Taylor was taken to a local hospital for treatment, then booked into the Utah County Jail. He faces three charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated murder, and felony discharge of a weapon.

Other reading:

• Police have leads but need public’s help after death of Ute football player Aaron Lowe

• Update: Bus driver from Alpine School District fired over posters on the bus

• Lockdown at Provo High School lifted; reported gun was airsoft gun