A police officer shot and killed in Utah had ties to Massachusetts and was from the Boston area, police say.
"Joseph Shinners is the officer you would want to show up on your doorstep in your crucible moment."
— Provo Police (@ProvoPolice) January 6, 2019
- Police Chief Rich Ferguson
Rest in peace JoJo. We will take it from here. pic.twitter.com/oNDgKgdJPH
Provo police Officer Joseph Shinners was killed after being shot by a wanted fugitive who had made violent threats to officers in the past, Provo police Chief Richard Ferguson said in a press conference Sunday.
He died at the Utah Valley Hospital just before midnight Saturday.
According to Provo police, Shinners is from the Boston area, with a retired firefighter for a father, and a Massachusetts police officer for a brother.
>> Watch the news conference here
WATCH LIVE: Provo Police Department holds press conference about deadly officer-involved shooting.
Posted by Fox 13 News on Sunday, January 6, 2019
"He comes from a family of service," Ferguson said. "He understands sacrifice; he is the officer you would want to show up at your door."
Shinners was a three-year veteran of the department, Ferguson said.
The suspect's identity wasn't released, but police said he was a 40-year-old man who was either homeless or staying with friends in the area.
“As chief of police, I am furious,” Ferguson said. “I am heartbroken; I am shocked. To Joe’s family, I want to say, ‘We love you. We stand with you.’”
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