CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

3 officers cleared in shooting of Riverton man after body cam footage reviewed

Nov 15, 2024, 5:00 PM

body cam footage clears Sandy officers...

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill on Friday, Nov.15, 2024 in Salt Lake City. Three officers were found legally justified in shooting a man earlier this year. (Eric Cabrera/KSL NewsRadio)

(Eric Cabrera/KSL NewsRadio)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Newly released body cam footage cleared three Sandy Police officers in the shooting of a Riverton man connected to car burglaries earlier this year.

On Friday, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office found that the three officers were legally justified in a fatal shooting that took place in early March. 

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill shared dash and body cam footage from a chase that involved the Sandy Police officers and 40-year-old Joshua Watson.

Footage showed Watson stopping in front of his home in his red Tahoe. The officers approached with weapons drawn. 

“Watson was in a series of car burglaries as the chase came to a halt, the three officers approached with their weapons drawn. Watson was clearly visible through the open driver’s window. Holding a gun to the right side of his head,” said Gill. 

As the three officers approached with their guns drawn, Watson moved his arms and police opened fire.

The gun police recovered from the scene was a BB gun made to look like a Glock 17. 

Eric Cabrera is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. You can follow him on Instagram. 

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3 officers cleared in shooting of Riverton man after body cam footage reviewed