WASHINGTON TERRACE CITY, Utah – The Weber County Attorney’s Office is investigating the death of a man who was apparently shot and killed by a Weber County Deputy Saturday morning.
Jeff Foote, 39, of Washington Terrace was shot and killed in front of his parents’ home at 110 West 4600 South, according to the Weber County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Deputy Klint Anderson said Foote called 911 shortly before 1 a.m. and reported he was going to shoot himself. Three Weber County deputies responded, as well as officers from neighboring agencies.
“When the officers arrived what they were greeted with was a man standing in the front yard holding a small handgun,” Anderson said.
A deputy tried to negotiate with Foote, but within minutes, the conversation went south. Anderson said Foote fired his gun at the deputy, prompting another officer to shoot Foote.
“What he saw was the gun was raised in the direction of the negotiator,” Anderson said.
Foote was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital, where he died of a gunshot wound to the neck.
Family friend Darlene Allen said she was shocked to learn of the news, as there was never any indication Foote was unhappy.
“Never, never in a million years," she said. "Just a really nice family, very caring, willing to help anybody."
However, Foote had several criminal convictions in his past. According to court records, the most recent was a felony conviction in November of 2012 for possessing a controlled substance.
As per standard protocol, the deputy who fired is on paid administrative leave until cleared for active duty. The Weber County Attorney’s Office will oversee an independent investigation into the incident. The Weber County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an internal investigation as well.
