Man killed in officer-involved shooting identified


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SPANISH FORK — Police shot and killed a man near a church in Spanish Fork Friday afternoon after he pulled a gun on them, police say.

The family of William Evans, 28, contacted police after he posted suicidal content on Facebook and police confronted and shot him near 300 East Center Street, Spanish Fork police Lt. Matt Johnson said.

It was later discovered that Evans had consumed heroin and made comments that he was going to be in a "shoot out with the police", Johnson said.

The family member told police Evans may have had a handgun and was possibly under the influence of drugs, Johnson said.

Police are unsure at this point whether Evans fired any shots. A handgun was located next to Evans, Johnson said.

The officer involved has been identified as Senior Patrol Officer Lance Rudd, Johnson said. Rudd is a 15-year law enforcement veteran and has been with Spanish Fork Police since 2002.

Police officers on scene performed first aid, but Evans was declared dead on scene.

No officers were injured during the incident. Spanish Fork police officers do wear body cameras and video of the incident is being reviewed.

This is the second officer-involved shooting in 24 hours. A Utah Highway Patrol trooper was shot early Friday morning.

The Utah County Shooting Protocol team, comprised of people from different police agencies throughout the county, will investigate the incident. The Utah County Attorney's office will also investigate.

Contributing: Geoff Liesik

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, KSL encourages you to call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226- 4433
  • Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373- 7393
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1- 866-488-7386

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