UPDATE: Carjacking and hostage suspect is dead

Update: September 10, 2021, 3:46 p.m. MDT

According to a statement from Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, a SWAT team member from his department is the one who fatally shot suspect Joseph Anthony Manhard. SLCPD was just one of several law enforcement agencies to respond to the hostage situation in Farmington Friday morning. 

Chief Brown said: 

“Today, our officers found themselves in a highly volatile and dangerous situation. Based on the preliminary investigation, our officer saved the lives of several hostages and prevented further harm to those on scene. The courageous action of our officer is an example of the finest professionalism and bravery displayed by our members every day. I stand by and support our officer’s decision. These are traumatic situations for everyone involved. I have met with our officer. Our department is providing our officer with assistance and services. The Salt Lake City Police Department stands ready and appreciates the opportunity to support other law enforcement agencies.”

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also issued a statement Friday afternoon: 

“First, my heart goes out to the victims of today’s incident in Davis County. To be involved in such a volatile situation is unthinkable and I hope that each of them is able to find comfort in this most difficult time. Today, in responding to a call for assistance from a neighboring department, officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department were faced with making a decision that no officer ever wants to make. Their training and professionalism helped them to act with selflessness and prevent tragic events. I am thankful that they are able to come back to their homes and families safely, and that others are no longer in harm’s way because of their actions under dire circumstances.”

The joint statement from Chief Brown and Mayor Mendenhall says the hostages and others involved will receive advocacy and services. 

Pursuant to Salt Lake City ordinance, body-worn camera video associated with this incident will be released within 10 business days.

Update: September 10, 2021, 1:37 p.m. MDT

Officials with Farmington and Clearfield police departments say that carjacking and hostage suspect Joseph Anthony Manhard has died from a gunshot wound fired by police during negotiations earlier Friday morning.

UPDATE: Farmington and Clearfield police say carjacking and hostage suspect, Joseph Anthony Manhard, has died from gunshot wound fired by police during the negotiation. @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/sll6Ye6U27

— Nick Wyatt (@NickWyattNews) September 10, 2021

Farmington and Clearfield police gave an update around 1:00 p.m. Friday with news that Manhard died from his injuries after an exchange of gunfire with police. It’s unclear what led up to the shooting but a SWAT team had negotiated with him for hours. 

“There were five individuals in the family. A juvenile female, two adult females, and two adult males,” said Farmington Police Chief Wayne Hansen. “It is very frightening for a family to go through.” 

Their conditions are currently unknown. Police also are not detailing what happened during the approximately six hours Manhard held the family hostage. 

While the investigation is ongoing, it appears Manhard chose to hide out in this home near 1600 South Tuscany Grove at random. 

“It could have been anybody’s home. It’s one of those situations where it could have been any one of us at any time. Who knows what was going through his mind at that point,” said Chief Hansen. 

Our previous reporting follows:

FARMINGTON, Utah — Police in Davis County say they have a man in custody accused of carrying out a carjacking at gunpoint and then a standoff with as many as five hostages. 

Centerville Police spent Friday morning looking for 32-year-old Joseph Manhard, who they described as potentially armed and dangerous. Police said he tried to ram a police car with the stolen vehicle before they spiked the tires on I-15. He then fled on foot.

Records filed in Davis County show before the carjacking situation on Friday, Manhard had a warrant out for his arrest on accusations of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and joyriding from earlier in the week.  

 

 

KSL photographers and reporters witnessed multiple SWAT teams surround a house near Tuscany Grove Circle. Shortly after 9:00 am SWAT teams were seen entering a house. A few moments later what appeared to be three people were seen exiting the home with SWAT officers. A medical helicopter landed in the street and transported another individual from the home at 9:35.

Farmington Police confirmed that Manhard was in custody and receiving medical attention after police evacuated the 5 residents of the home taken hostage.

Events leading up to standoff

Police in Clearfield received a call around 1:30 am about a man who kept returning to an address after an alleged aggravated assault. 

When police arrived, the man fled and abandoned a car in the Freeport Center where he then carjacked a person. Police said he displayed a firearm, and shot a single time into the vehicle but did not injure anyone.

Officers said they pursued the man into the city of Sunset where they said he attempted to ram a police vehicle. 

He evaded police and fled southbound on I-15 where his vehicle had its tires spiked. He then fled on foot into a neighborhood. 

Police from agencies around the area have been performing searches throughout the area.

The scare forced officials to postpone the start of classes for several schools nearby.

This story will be updated. 

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