American Fork police officers on leave after shooting suspected car thief

AMERICAN FORK, Utah — Several police officers have been put on administrative leave after shooting a suspected car thief, according to the American Fork Police Department.

Car thief on the run

AFPD Lt. Kevin Doyl told Utah’s Morning News those officers are on paid administrative leave.

Officers began a manhunt for an “armed and dangerous” car thief on Tuesday night. They said the man robbed an American Fork impounded car lot, according to a press release.

Police responded to calls about gunshots and found a broken window and the remains of a gate lock. It had been shot 21 times with a handgun, according to the release.

The suspect allegedly stole a Honda Civic, driving it through the front gate.

Security cameras caught a glimpse of the suspect. Police identified the car thief as 36-year-old Kevin Ballew. Police warned the suspect was “armed and dangerous.”

Wednesday night at about 8 p.m., investigators discovered the stolen Honda Civic at an apartment complex in South Salt Lake.

Lt. Doyle said Ballew saw the officers approaching the car. He allegedly got out, began walking, then ran away.

“There was a foot pursuit,” said Doyl. “Sometime during the foot pursuit, officers ended up firing at the suspect.” 

Ballew went to a local hospital. No officers were harmed. Police have not revealed the suspect’s condition.

According to Doyl, Salt Lake County is now investigating the incident. 

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