UPDATE: Man dead after armed standoff with police in Midvale, police say
Apr 4, 2025, 6:09 AM | Updated: 2:51 pm
Brigham City Police say they found human remains in a black trash bag near 2600 West Highway 13 Wednesday afternoon. (Canva)
(Canva)
MIDVALE — An armed suspect is dead after fleeing from police during a traffic stop in Midvale Friday morning.
Unified police said that 41-year-old Luis Gomez, from Provo, fled from officers who tried to stop his car near the area of 7350 South and State Street in Midvale.
According to UPD, the vehicle failed to yield and fled from police. Gomez exited the car and fled on foot.
“The driver of the vehicle continued a short distance before being stopped through a high-risk stop. Officers detained the driver and began searching for the individual who had fled,” UPD said in a press release.
While searching for Gomez, police found an open dump truck in the area of 7420 South and began searching the truck.
“Upon looking inside the truck bed, the officer encountered the fleeing individual, who was observed pointing a firearm at the officer’s head,” UPD said.
Gomez then barricaded himself in the bed of the dumb truck with large objects, according to police.
UPD called for SWAT and other agencies to assist in arresting Gomez. Officers also tried to de-escalate the situation and asked for Gomez to surrender.
“Throughout the incident, which lasted several hours, officers utilized drones to monitor the barricaded individual,” UPD said. “Unfortunately, the individual discharged a firearm at one of the drones disabling it. Other drones were utilized to monitor his actions.”
At approximately 8 a.m., Gomez was found with a self-inflicted gunshot. UPD said first responders attempted life-saving measures on Gomez, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
This incident caused a shelter-in-place order on Cox Lane at approximately 5:30 a.m. Some were even evacuated while multiple SWAT teams searched for the suspect. The Utah Department of Transportation said State Street was also closed in the area to all traffic.
Canyons School District communications director Jeff Haney said the search did not directly affect schools, but some bus routes were altered.
“We understand the emotional toll incidents like this can have on the community and want to express our gratitude for the public’s patience and cooperation. Our thoughts are with all affected by this situation,” UPD said.
This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.
