A shooting involving the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Springs Police Department was ruled a justified use of force by Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe.
According to a press release from the county attorney’s office, officers and deputies were dispatched to the Elk Street Kum & Go Nov. 21, to respond to a call regarding an agitated man striking nearby vehicles with a hatchet. The man, identified as Austin Pacheco, 26, allegedly failed to respond to orders to drop the hatchet. Pacheco’s brother, also at the scene, attempted to plea with Pacheco to drop his weapon as well. A press release from the RSPD states officers at the scene fired multiple bean bag rounds at Pacheco, followed by one handgun round. According to the county attorney’s office, Pacheco responded by rearing back to throw his hatchet at the officer firing the bean bag. He was shot once while in the acof throwing the hatchet, with it striking the vehicle next to the targeted officer.
Pacheco was immediately treated for his injuries as the scene and was transported to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. He was later flown to University of Utah Medical Center, where he is still hospitalized. According to both the RSPD and the county attorney’s office, his medical status is unknown.
“After a careful review of the facts and circumstances, as well as the video footage, I have come to the conclusion that these officers were not only justified in the amount of force used, but had no other choice in their actions. No charges will be filed against law enforcement in this matter,” Erramouspe said.
Erramouspe said charges have not been filed against Pacheco yet, saying an investigation is ongoing.
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