Police Body Camera Captures Dramatic Scene of Man Stabbing His Parents

Newly released body camera footage has shed light on the chilling moments when West Valley City police officers responded to a violent attack at a home on New Year’s Day. The footage, shared during a press conference on Monday, reveals the intense scene when officers discovered a man assaulting his parents inside their home.

In addition to the body camera video, the West Valley City Police Department also made available a 911 call from the victims’ residence. The call, which was mostly inaudible, captured the sound of struggle as the dispatcher tried to get information from the caller. However, the dispatcher couldn’t make sense of the situation due to the commotion, and so, she kept the line open and dispatched officers to the scene.

Deputy Chief Mike Fossmo explained that officers arrived at the Bertelsens’ home at 5:20 p.m. on January 1. Upon arrival, body cam footage shows officers knocking at the door but not seeing anyone inside. As the officers moved around the side of the house to check the basement entrance, they heard sounds that prompted concern.

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What followed was tense: officers rushed down the basement stairs with their weapons drawn. One officer kicked open the door, revealing 35-year-old Erik Bertelsen in the act of stabbing one of his parents. The officer immediately shouted commands for Erik to drop the knife and show his hands, but he continued his attack. To stop the assault, an officer fired two shots, striking Erik.

The video shows Erik collapsing to the ground as officers repeated their orders to drop the weapon. As the scene was secured, the officers backed away, allowing others to assist in managing the aftermath.

Both victims, Terri Bertelsen (63) and Kerry Bertelsen (67), were found deceased in the basement, with stab wounds being the cause of death. The police chief, Colleen Jacobs, acknowledged the graphic nature of the footage but said the department was obligated to release it due to Utah’s open records law. She described the footage as deeply disturbing, recognizing the trauma it could cause for viewers.

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave while the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office and Protocol Team 1 conduct an investigation. Although the motive behind Erik Bertelsen’s actions is still unclear, court documents indicate a troubled past, with Bertelsen having a lengthy criminal history and multiple parole violations over the years.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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