2 Utah deputies shot in the face were performing routine property check

Investigators work the scene where two Salt Lake County sheriff’s deputies were shot and a gunman was shot and killed in front of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office building in South Salt Lake on Saturday, April 10, 2021. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Deputies recovering from injuries; deceased gunman identified

The two deputies who were shot in the face at the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday are recovering from their injuries.

Salt Lake County sheriff’s deputy Joshua Buerke was shot in the cheek and was treated and released from the hospital on Saturday following the exchange of gunfire outside the complex that includes both the sheriff’s office headquarters and the county jail, near the corner of 3300 South and 900 West.

The gunman was identified as Joshua Michael Johnson, 31. Based on the number of items he had with him, Rivera said Saturday investigators believe he was homeless.

Deputy Leland Grossett was shot by Johnson in the eye. He underwent surgery on Saturday and the agency reports that Grossett remains hospitalized and is in stable condition, but he did lose his eye.

Both deputies are expected to survive their injuries.

“I want to thank the public for their outpouring of support and well-wishes for our deputies,” Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said in a statement released Sunday. “We ask that the public and media respect the privacy of our deputies and their families during this difficult time.”

The shooting occurred north of the Sheriff’s office at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The two deputies were conducting a routine check of the property and were shot during an exchange of gunfire with Johnson, who pulled out a gun when the deputies stopped to talk to him. Rivera reported on Saturday that at least one deputy returned fire.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing up to four gunshots.

Johnson was killed at the scene.

Utah court records indicate that Johnson is a repeat offender, having been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, including drug possession, theft, lying to police and unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon.

Rivera said support is available to officers and staff as they cope with “this critical incident.”

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