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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Two officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department were put on administrative leave after a 50-year-old man died in the hospital on Thursday night.
The two officers, as well as SLCPD social workers, were called to reports of a man described by witnesses as being “naked, disoriented, and going through trash” around 5 p.m. near 800 South and 700 East. While en route, a second witness reported that the man was shaking.
By the time the officers arrived, the 50-year-old man was conscious and breathing but not alert. SLCPD said bodycam footage showed the man was very thin, weak, and malnourished. He was reportedly not answering any police questions.
The Salt Lake Police Department said its officers did not use any deadly force and there was no indication of physical force or fighting with the 50-year-old man. Instead, Chief Mike Brown praised his officers for how they handled the incident.
“They approached this tragic situation with compassion and took steps to help by providing the man with clothing and blankets to warm him up while they waited for paramedics,” said Chief Brown.
Officers requested the help of Salt Lake Fire and Gold Cross Ambulance for physical evaluation and medical treatment. At this time, SLCPD said the officers had handcuffed the man as he repeatedly tried to stand despite being told to remain seated while waiting for medical assistance.
The man was eventually taken to the hospital by Gold Cross Ambulance but his condition worsened on the way. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man died at the hospital.
The specific cause of death is currently unknown and will be under review by the medical examiner.
The two officers who interacted with the man were put on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation by the Officer Involved Critical Incident, which the police department said is standard procedure.
No other information was released, pending the ongoing investigation.