Man dies in officer-involved shooting after high-speed chase, threat to kill an infant

Feb 17, 2022, 8:43 PM | Updated: Dec 29, 2022, 11:46 am

Former Digital Content Producer

MOHAVE COUNTY, Arizona — A man was shot and killed by police Thursday following a high-speed chase through southern Utah and Arizona, in which he held an infant hostage, police say.

According to police, detectives with the Washington City Police were searching for a suspect involved in a disorderly conduct from Saturday night. A handgun was brandished during the incident, according to police.

Through their investigation, detectives were led to a residence in St. George where the suspect was seen leaving as a passenger in a small SUV.

High-speed chase

Washington City police initiated a traffic stop. As they stopped, however, a female driver left the vehicle and began to run. When approached by authorities, the female told them the man in the back seat had a gun and her infant son.

As police talked to the woman, the man entered the driver seat and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Due to the threat to the infant, authorities from Washington City and St. George pursued the vehicle through St. George, Santa Clara, Ivins and onto Old Highway 91 into Mohave County in Arizona, police say.

When the SUV came to a stop on Old Highway 91 near Beaver Dam, Arizona following the high-speed chase, authorities attempted to communicate with the suspect. However, he fled on foot into a field with the infant and the gun.

Threat to kill

After the suspect had fled, police set up containment and established communication with the suspect. According to police, the suspect continued to threaten to kill the child. Police also say officers witnessed the suspect aiming the weapon at the child.

Despite efforts to resolve the situation peacefully, police say that at least one officer fired a weapon hitting the suspect, who died at the scene. According to police, the child was unharmed, but was transported to a St. George hospital for an examination.