Salt Lake City Police have made public bodycam footage of a deadly incident involving 27-year-old Tanner Cottrell, who died in early January following a police pursuit and subsequent crash.
The events began at approximately 3:15 p.m. on January 1, 2025, when authorities responded to a structure fire near 2600 East and 2100 South. Firefighters determined that the blaze was intentionally set, suspecting arson as the cause.
The following day, investigators received information suggesting that Tanner Cottrell was involved in the fire. They learned that firearms and a ballistic vest had been taken from the scene, and that Cottrell might have been driving a stolen Ford F-350.
On the evening of January 2, officers spotted the F-350, which was believed to be stolen, and Cottrell behind the wheel. As police followed the vehicle into Salt Lake City, Cottrell reportedly opened fire from the truck, prompting law enforcement to call in tactical units.
A pursuit ensued, which spanned multiple cities, including Salt Lake City, North Salt Lake, and back to Salt Lake City. Despite multiple reports of gunfire coming from Cottrell’s vehicle, officers were able to deploy spike strips, which damaged the truck’s tires. However, Cottrell continued to drive, evading law enforcement.
By 12:30 a.m. on January 3, Cottrell’s vehicle crashed near 12400 South Redwood Road in Riverton, Utah. The truck flipped and landed on its roof.
According to a press release from the Salt Lake City Police Department, an officer-involved critical incident (OICI) occurred at the crash site, which involved six law enforcement agencies. Prior to the crash, one SLCPD officer had an encounter with Cottrell that met the criteria for an OICI under Utah law. Authorities confirmed that Cottrell died at the scene.
The Utah Medical Examiner’s Office has been tasked with determining the cause of death as part of its independent investigation. The incident involved officers from several agencies, including Salt Lake City Police, Taylorsville Police, Unified Police, Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Highway Patrol, and West Valley City Police.
As part of standard procedure, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. Police confirmed that no injuries were reported among law enforcement officers or the public during the event.
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