ST. GEORGE, Utah — A suspect is in custody after a shelter-in-place order was issued for the Little Valley area of St. George on Tuesday afternoon due to a man firing a weapon while barricaded inside a home.
St. George Police Department Police Chief Kyle Whithead said a neighbor heard multiple shots in the area of 3000 East Seegmiller Drive. When police arrived, the suspect began firing multiple shots at officers, who returned gunfire.
After police confirmed that the man was alone in the home, SWAT teams from St. George and Washington County were called to the scene to set up containment, all while the suspect continued firing at officers. Residents in surrounding houses were evacuated and others were ordered to shelter in place.
Watch below as St. George police give update on suspect who fired at officers:
During what Whithead called a "tactical operation," the home caught on fire, leading to the man walking outside and surrendering to police. Whithead added that they know who the suspect is, but have not identified him.
There were no reported injuries during the incident.
"We were just glad that we were able to resolve this quickly and with no significant injuries," said the chief.
The situation disrupted the normally quiet neighborhood, surprising residents like Bradley Reichman, who lives around the block and had just moved in a few months ago.
"I drove home from work, heard that my dog had gotten out, so I came back to go find him," Reichman said. "And when I came back, there was smoke — a lot of smoke... I heard gunshots going off... When I came into my house, I saw SWAT in the backyard."
Barbara Sceli, who lives nearby but couldn't get home due to the police cordon, expressed shock at the incident.
"I can't believe it. I mean, we don't lock our doors at night, you know? This is like such a calm, quiet neighborhood that it's totally surprising," Sceli said.
According to police, the house caught fire during the standoff, which ultimately led to the suspect's surrender.
As of Tuesday evening, police have not released the suspect's identity. The area remained an active crime scene past 9:30 p.m. with officers and detectives continuing their investigation.
Police indicated no further information would be released Tuesday night, with updates expected Wednesday in conjunction with the Washington County Attorney's Office.
Many questions remain unanswered, including the suspect's motive, why they were at the location, and how the fire started.
