A veteran police officer was shot and killed and another office wounded Sunday after a shoot out with hit and run suspects, officials said.
Officer Douglas Barney, 44, was killed and officer Jon Richey, 51, was wounded after the officers responded to a traffic accident where suspects had fled the scene. Barney was the first to arrive.
Barney and Richey located the suspects and a shootout took place. The gunman, Cory Henderson, 31 was killed. Barney, and 18-year veteran, died at the hospital and Richey is described as in serious condition, suffering 3 gunshot wounds.
“Today a husband and father left his wife and three children, put on a badge, and promised to return home soon. On behalf of Utah residents from across the state, our hearts are broken for the family of Officer Doug Barney who gave the ultimate sacrifice today while in the line of duty,” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said in a statement.
Police spokesman Lt. Lex Bell said Henderson was wanted for a violating his state parole as well as a federal arms violation.
A female friend of Henderson’s was also arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident.
Later, Henderson’s brother, Jaiden Snyder, was also arrested after he and the gunman’s mother arrived at the scene. Henderson’s mother began attacking an officer at the scene, and the brother got out of his car and yelled at the officer, “Hey, that’s my [expletive] mom. Leave her alone.”
Snyder then got into a fight with police was was arrested for assaulting a police officer, interference with an arresting officer, failure to stop at command of a law officer, disorderly conduct and threats of violence. Snyder had previous warrants out for his arrest.
The mother, whose name is not known, was cited, then released.
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