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Man shot-killed while fighting with security www.privateofficer.com
By: RICK MCCANN/STAFF
PRIVATE OFFICER NEWS
http://www.privateofficer.com — Police are investigating an officer involved shooting after an officer shot and killed a man at a grocery store Saturday night.
Authorities say that at about 9 p.m., there was a fight between the man and security guards at the Smith’s Food and Drug, 350 N. Freedom Blvd, KSL-TV reports.
Police were called, and when officers arrived, police say that the man pulled out a gun and an officer shot and killed the man.
Police did not reease details of the original incident involving security or the identity of the man who was killed.
UPDATE
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
A man who was shot and killed by Provo police Saturday after he pointed a gun at officers in a grocery store, had earlier been trying to steal beer from the store, police said.
Ronald Ethington, 35, of Provo, was stopped by a Smith’s employee who saw him shoplifting in the store at 350 N. Freedom Blvd., said Provo police Capt. Cliff Argyle.
When Ethington tried to escape out the front door, the employee caught and restrained him, Argyle said. Ethington fought with him and a second employee stepped in to help.
They pulled him into an office area near customer service. He was still struggling with the employees when two police officers arrived about 8:40 p.m. One of the officers shot a Taser at Ethington, but it had no effect, Argyle said.
Ethington produced an older model .357 revolver and pointed it at police. Both officers fired their guns and hit Ethington.
One of the officers tried to revive him, but Ethington died in the store.
A Smith’s employee hurt his hand in the struggle with Ethington, but no others were injured.
The officers’ names were not released. They are on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated by the Utah County Officer Involved Incident Protocol Task Force.
Provo police had not had contact with Ethington before, and a search of Utah court records showed he had no criminal history.
His brother said Sunday the family is struggling to understand what occurred as they mourn his death.
“It’s very shocking to us, especially if it’s over a can or bottle or beer that this tragedy has happened,” said Mikel Ethington, of Payson. “He was a great brother and uncle. He would do anything to make the kids laugh. He was very loving with them.”
