SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah – A Salt Lake City police officer who shot and injured a man hiding in tall grass last year was found to have used unjustified force, yet legal constraints prevent him from facing criminal charges.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill reviewed body camera footage and the circumstances surrounding the shooting, ultimately concluding that Officer Mitchell Bailey’s actions were not warranted, as there was no immediate threat to his safety.
“We do not believe that the facts in this case satisfy the elements of a justified use of force,” Gill stated. “Officer Bailey was not justified in firing his weapon and injuring Mr. Caster.”
Incident Details
The events unfolded on June 29, 2024, when Utah Highway Patrol troopers attempted to pull over a speeding pickup truck with a broken headlight. The driver refused to stop, leading officers to discover the abandoned vehicle near 5600 West 700 South.
A K-9 unit from the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), including Officer Bailey, was dispatched to track the suspects. As officers searched the area with flashlights, they came across Bobby Joe Caster concealed in thick grass.
Bodycam footage captured the moment Bailey drew his weapon and fired almost immediately, followed by an expletive. Another officer then shouted for Caster to show his hands, while Caster, clearly in distress, repeatedly stated that he had been shot in the hand.
Emergency responders provided medical aid at the scene before Caster was transported for further treatment. He was later booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a federal hold. Another suspect was also arrested on outstanding warrants.
Authorities found no evidence that Caster was armed at the time of the shooting.
No Criminal Charges for the Officer
The SLCPD initially suggested the gunshot may have been accidental. After reviewing the evidence, Gill echoed that assessment. Despite determining the shooting was not justified, legal limitations prevented prosecutors from filing charges.
One potential charge, felony discharge of a firearm, is not applicable to law enforcement officers under Utah law. “We would be able to charge civilians under this statute, but the Utah Legislature has specifically exempted police officers from liability in these cases,” Gill explained.
Prosecutors also considered reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, but ultimately determined they could not meet the legal threshold of proving a “conscious disregard” of risk.
Internal Review Ongoing
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd acknowledged the findings and said an internal review is underway to assess policies, training, and procedures related to the incident.
“We take all officer-involved incidents seriously and continuously evaluate ways to improve,” Redd said. “Our priority is ensuring officers are equipped with the necessary training and resources to respond effectively in high-risk situations.”
SLCPD spokesperson Brent Weisberg confirmed that Officer Bailey remains employed but declined to comment further while the internal investigation continues .
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