DPS NEWS

Active gunman on I-15 at milepost 120 (Updated 9/16/21)

Subject Information: William J Brooks Booked into the Beaver County Jail (Full charges are being screened with the Beaver County Attorney)

Updated information 6:00 am

On September 13, 2021 at about 5:13 pm, a UHP Sergeant attempted to stop a vehicle near milepost 117, I-15 northbound for speeding (100 MPH in an 80 MPH zone). The vehicle fled and a pursuit was initiated.  As the pursuit approached milepost 122 northbound, the vehicle pulled into the median and stopped.  The driver fled on foot westbound, crossed the southbound lanes and ran into the foothills west of I-15. The vehicle was occupied by 2 additional passengers.  The Sergeant remained with the vehicle and took the 2 passengers into custody with the help of a Beaver County Deputy.  

Additional troopers, deputies and officers from local agencies responded and began establishing containment for the suspect who fled on foot. SIAC and the State Bureau of Investigation were contacted to begin gathering information about the outstanding suspect and interview the 2 suspects who were in custody. Once initial containment was set, 2 canine teams were deployed with a helicopter overhead.  As the canine teams worked the area, the suspect began firing rounds from a handgun at the canine teams and the helicopter from a concealed and undetermined location. The canine teams pulled out of the area, containment was fortified and tactical teams were called in to assist, along with the DPS Aero Bureau.

Tactical Teams from DPS, Beaver County, Iron County and St. George responded.  As these additional resourced were being deployed, the suspect fired several more rounds.  The DPS flight crew was able to quickly pinpoint the suspect’s location and the tactical teams put a plan in motion to apprehend him. Tactical teams made contact with the suspect and began challenging him. The suspect surrendered without further incident and was safely taken into custody. This event was a great demonstration of good multi-agency coordination to end a bad situation with the best possible outcome. No officers or suspects were injured.     

Updated information 12:30 am

Update on the UHP incident near Beaver Utah. The suspect who fled from troopers on foot has been taken into custody. Great team work and coordination by state, county, and local agencies. We are working on opening I-15 but it may take some additional time.

A better description of the incident will be posted in the morning.

Initial information 8:20 pm

Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle and it fled. After a pursuit, the driver of the vehicle fled on foot. Shots were fired at pursuing officers but no injuries have been reported. One suspect is still outstanding. I-15 has been closed northbound at Beaver UT. Southbound I-15 is closed at I-70. Updates will be provided as information is available.

There is no threat to the public at this time, but they should avoid the area.