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OGDEN — A man who was shot and killed by police on Sunday had a "replica handgun" and the situation that led to his death "escalated quickly," Ogden Police Chief Jacob Sube said Tuesday.
Officers had been dispatched to the home at 933 E. 1150 North on a "keep the peace" request when they encountered 45-year-old Jeffrey Allen Blue.
A woman who requested police support lives at the house and had left the night before due to "some sort of disagreement," Sube said, adding that the cause of the disagreement remains under investigation. The chief said police have been called to the residence "numerous times" — Sube estimated eight times since 2021 for neighbor complaints, keep the peace requests and other reasons.
About noon on Sunday, an officer arrived to help the woman retrieve her belongings from the home but requested backup due to Blue's behavior. When backup arrived, two officers followed the woman into the home, and they were again met by Blue, who was exhibiting "angry and confrontational behavior," the chief said.
Blue "made a statement about getting a gun and abruptly turned further into the home, where he retrieved what appeared to be a handgun," Sube said. One officer shot the man, but no details have been released on how many rounds were fired.
Blue died in the home while receiving medical attention from officers and first responders.
Sube said Tuesday that a "replica handgun" was found on Blue that day. The photo shared with the public appears to be a CO2-powered BB gun, though Sube did not have specifics on the object.
"It happened rapidly, it escalated quickly," Sube said. "The officer had to make a very, very quick decision." They were children in the house at the time of the shooting, according to the chief, but he did not have details at hand on the number or the relationship between the different parties.
Domestic calls are "some of the most volatile and concerning" cases that officers handle, Sube said. The Ogden Police Department often responds to requests to keep the peace, the chief says, and it "does take courage" to ask for help and support.
He called the Nov. 21 incident a "very rare occurrence," that should not deter those looking to escape from domestic violence situations from seeking help. "Our thoughts remain with those feeling the weight of these difficult circumstances," he said.
The Weber County Critical Incident Investigation team will continue reviewing the body camera footage that was taken, police reports, and witness statements. One officer was put on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the external and internal reviews, Sube said.
Domestic violence resources
Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: Utah's confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
- Utah's statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
