TAYLORSVILLE, Utah – Utah Highway Patrol has identified the man who crashed an RV into the Calvin Rampton Building Wednesday as 53-year-old Gary Chandler.
Following the crash, Chandler took his own life.
“Self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head, and he died last night in the hospital,” said Daniel Fuhr, a Utah Highway Patrol Superintendent.
FOX 13 News does not generally report on incidents of suicide unless there is a broader impact to the public, as in the case of a crash and shot fired at a government building.
Investigators say the crash was no accident.
“There's no way a car is going to come off the roadway there and come through the front doors,” Fuhr said.
Chandler was apparently upset with the Driver’s License Division – which is housed in the government complex.
“We received an email that he was not happy with his driver’s license status after being suspended for DUI,” Fuhr said.
He also reportedly made a phone call to employees.
“We're not saying any of this was in a threatening manner,” Fuhr noted.
Employees are being questioned. Investigators want to find out exactly what Chandler said in the email and phone call that drove him to such extreme measures.
“It has to be some sort of mental anguish going on in their minds," Fuhr said. "I don't know if he had any family issues going on."
As the incident unfolded during business hours, investigators took measures to protect employees. They’re grateful no one was hurt.
“Behind the front doors right here is a receptionist that sits there for DPS, and they're behind bulletproof glass. They were never in any danger,” Fuhr said.
As of right now, there's no estimate on damages. A facilities manager says there’s no structural damage. Repairs should be completed within the next six to eight weeks.
