Former Saratoga Springs police officer in custody after allegedly making threats

SALT LAKE CITY — A former Saratoga Springs police officer was taken into custody Monday night on suspicion of making threats against his former assistant chief.

Police identified the suspect as 42-year-old Jared Chuchran from Saratoga Springs.

Sgt. Spencer Cannon with the Utah County Sheriff’s Department said along with the UCSO, the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the Utah County Metro SWAT also responded to the situation.

“Saratoga Springs Police asked for assistance locating a former officer of theirs who had made threats against their assistant chief — against his life,” said Cannon.

According to Cannon, police were concerned because Chuchran said any law enforcement that interfered would “be in trouble as well.” Cannon added that officials were also concerned about Chuchran harming himself.

Officials originally believed Chuchran was in the Saratoga Springs or Lehi area and had the Utah County Metro SWAT team set up there. But police soon learned that Chuchran was actually south in Juab county.

Police located Chuchran in a campground near Little Sahara Recreation Area and took him into custody without incident.

Law enforcement also took custody of firearms found in Chuchran’s possession. Cannon said police would determine if the firearms were involved in the situation, but said there were no indications that Chuchran had pointed a weapon at anyone.

Chuchran was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.

“When we say ‘taken into custody,’ that’s a fairly routine practice for us to get them to a facility or services to get them evaluated,” said Cannon.

Cannon said that when officials think a person might harm themselves, it is routine to have the person evaluated to ensure that person is not a threat to themselves or anyone else. The evaluation is separate from any criminal charges that might be brought.

“We will — in our investigation — make a determination if we will submit charges in related to the threats that he made,” said Cannon.

Related:

• Police make a drug bust at a St. George hotel

• Salt Lake City Police announce the closure of a 48-year-old cold case

• Salt Lake City Police seeking information on package that prompted bomb squad