Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Authorities in Utah urge residents to lock doors after a suspicious death.
- Wayne County schools canceled classes due to safety concerns; counselors will support students.
- Police search for a white Subaru Outback linked to the incident; FBI may assist.
LOA, Wayne County — Authorities throughout several southern, central and eastern Utah counties on Wednesday night urged residents to stay inside and lock their doors while an apparent manhunt is underway after a "suspicious death."
Authorities also asked residents to be on the lookout for a car connected to the death in Wayne County on Wednesday, but by the end of the evening, police had not provided any other details about the death or suspect(s).
Multiple school, government closures
Schools in Wayne County canceled classes for Thursday.
"Due to unfolding events in the county, out of an abundance of caution and concern for student and public safety, schools will be closed tomorrow and Friday. We will also have counselors in place to support students when we are back in session next week. We will communicate updates as things unfold," the Wayne County School District said in a statement.
The Wayne County Courthouse in Loa also said it will be closed Thursday "due to the current situation in Wayne County."
"We will provide updates if there are any changes. Thank you for your understanding," courthouse officials wrote in a statement.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office said it "will not be answering to press; all updates will come from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office Facebook page."
"Please DO NOT call dispatch to have questions answered, only to give legitimate information," the office urged residents in a Facebook post.
The Wayne Community Health Center, in Bicknell, and Kazan Memorial Clinic, in Escalante, also announced they will be closed Thursday.
Multicounty manhunt
Grand County officials noted in a social media post that police are searching for someone suspected in a "suspicious death."
Officials in Wayne County alerted residents on Facebook that "due to the recent incident that occurred in Wayne County today (the sheriff's office) is asking residents to take extra precautions, keep their lights on, keep doors locked, remain home or with others this evening if possible."
The Sevier County Sheriff's Office said it is attempting to locate a 2022 White Subaru Outback, with Utah license plates U560YF.
"If you have seen this vehicle within the last 24 hours please contact dispatch at 435-896-6471," the department wrote on Facebook Wednesday night.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office said that multiple agencies are in the area and working to keep residents safe.
They've asked residents to report anything that causes alarm to the Wayne County dispatch line, which is 800-356-8757.
The Garfield County Sheriff's Office posted about 11 p.m. thanking residents for "taking precautions" and added that it "feels there is no longer a threat in our area. Please remain vigilant."
A public safety alert went out to residents in Beaver late Wednesday, urging residents in the area of Elm Tree Lane to shelter in place, keep their doors locked, remove keys from their vehicles and turn on their outside lights. It was unclear if the alert was related to the death and manhunt in Wayne County.
FBI spokeswoman Sandra Yi Barker in Salt Lake City said the FBI is aware of the situation in Wayne County, though she didn't give any specifics. The agency is, however, prepared to assist if needed, she said.
This story will be updated.
