Family of man killed in Monday’s shoot-out speaks out

SALT LAKE CITY — The mother of the man shot in a hail of bullets following a dramatic high-speed chase through Salt Lake City wants his story to be told.

A statement released by family members on Thursday says their son, brother, uncle and friend Harold Vincent Robinson suffered from mental illness, paranoia and delusions.

The 37-year-old from West Valley City died after fifteen officers opened fire on him near 3300 South State Street in Salt Lake City. The chase began after Robinson allegedly robbed two convenience stores at gunpoint.

The family says they are devastated at the loss of someone they called Junior, who was loved dearly.  The family recalled that shortly before Monday’s shooting in broad daylight, Robinson had been expressing his love and appreciation to family members.

According to the statement, Robinson had seemed better, calmer even and was trying to get his life back on track following a few days of treatment at a mental health center.  Still, they say, with proper treatment and evaluation they might still have their loved one, and this tragedy might have been averted.

The family asks for privacy as they grieve their loss.