PROVO, Utah - Utah County police officers are getting immersive training in high-stress scenarios.

On Monday, they showed off the VirTra 300, a new training simulator that uses five different screens, and dozens of different interactive responses. Provo Police Chief John King said it’s part of a long term goal of providing more training in handling mental health and use-of-force situations.

“The officer is able to be wholly encompassed with different scenarios, and potentially problematic scenarios that they may have to respond within seconds,” said Provo police Lt. Brandon Post. “It kind of takes scenario and firearms training and blends it, which is kind of what the real world is.”

The system was paid for by the Utah State legislature. King said they’d spotted it at a trade show, but knew they wouldn’t be able to pay the $300,000 price tag. Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, said it was an investment in Utah’s public safety.

“We wanted to make sure that we’re providing the very best resources available to those heroes that are on the front line,” Stratton said. “When we look at those heroes, they protect the rights that we value.”

Officers are faced with scenarios ranging from a simple traffic stop, to mass shootings. A trainer evaluates the officer’s responses to the subject and programs responses that either escalate, or de-escalate the situation.

King said in the month they’ve used the simulator, they’ve already noticed procedural changes they can make to help their officers positively respond to use of force situations.

PROVO, Utah — A man and woman were arrested in connection to the death of their 1-year-old child authorities say died of a heroin overdose.

On June 7, Casey Cormani and Cassandra Richards were booked into the Utah County Jail on child endangerment, a first-degree felony, resulting in the death of their daughter, according to Provo Police.

The pair was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

The child died on Dec. 2, 2015.

An autopsy of the girl confirmed she died of a heroin overdose, the Facebook post indicates.

Since the baby’s death, the Facebook post states, “detectives have conducted interviews with witnesses, interrogations of suspects, and gathered physical evidence, and toxicology reports sufficient to establish probable cause that the parents were responsible for the death of the child.”

PROVO, Utah — A 25-year-old man is in critical condition after crashing his scooter in a construction zone on a Provo roadway, Friday night.

Authorities received reports of the single-vehicle crash at about 9:56 p.m., which occurred at 1747 North Canyon Road.

Witnesses driving in front of the man operating a Sanyang Cabo 125 scooter, told police the victim was traveling south and passed them before drifting across their lane and into the construction zone, according to a Facebook post from Provo police.

“The driver hit a large pile of gravel causing himself and the vehicle to go airborne,” the post states.

The man was taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and is currently in critical condition.

PROVO, Utah — A bear found in a Provo neighborhood, Tuesday afternoon, was safely tranquilized and will be relocated, authorities confirmed.

The report of a bear sighting came into Provo Police Dispatch at 1:25 p.m. According to police, the animal, about 2 years old and 350 pounds, was spotted wandering near one of the homes in a subdivision along the river in Provo Canyon in the area of Mile High Drive.

Police say it is unusual for a bear to be seen in that area, however there are bears in the mountains above Provo Canyon.

Police and animal control located the animal in a tree. The Division of Wildlife Resources was contacted and they were able to tranquilize it and will relocate the bear.

PROVO, Utah - Authorities are seeking the public's help after three women were allegedly groped while jogging along the Provo River Parkway Trail, Monday morning.

Starting at around 6:30 a.m., a woman reported she was groped by a man who ran up along side her on the trail, according to Provo police. Shortly after that alleged attack, two other incidents were reported.

Lt. Brandon Post, spokesman for Provo police, said the suspect would run up alongside the victims and act as if he were going to give them a high-five.

"They'd go to reciprocate and that's when he grab them or accost them," Post said.

Post said all encounters were brief.

"He never said anything to any of the victims and he would continue running by," Post said. "It's violating."

Post said the suspect was brazen enough to attack a woman running with a partner.

The man is described as a white, about, five feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build.

He has short blond hair and a short beard. The man was last seen wearing black running tights, a black shirt with a jacket tied around his waist.

Anyone with information about this suspected groper is asked to call Provo police at 801-852-6210.

UTAH COUNTY -- Another woman was nearly attacked in the Provo Canyon area, and the incident occurred after three other women were possibly groped by the same man, according to Provo and Orem police.

All of the incidents happened Monday morning. The three women were Groped between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., and the other woman was almost attacked around 9:30 a.m.

Heidi Thomas said a man followed her into a small bathroom along the Timpanogos Park trail.

"He came in that bathroom with intentions to hurt me in whatever way," Thomas said.

Knowing her husband Mat Thomas had jogged ahead of her, she was alone with this possibly dangerous stranger. She used her college self-defense classes to protect herself.

"I just looked right in his eyes and I just, 'What are you doing?' I yelled really loud, and it must have been my adrenaline pumping but I shoved him really hard," she said. "I went right at him."

That wasn't the end of it. As they got on the phone with police, they watched him follow another woman into another bathroom across the park from them at Canyon View Park.

"That's when we saw him, and he came from out from the restroom he had been hiding in, and he went straight for that door from where she had just entered," Thomas said.

Both Heidi and Mat were able to talk loudly enough at a safe distance to scare the guy away from entering the bathroom.

All of this happened just hours after three women jogging three miles away were groped by a stranger. When police told Heidi they were looking for a groper from earlier, that confirmed her life could have been in danger and she was right to be defensive.

Another alleged victim also spoke about the incidents.

"There is a man running towards us, and as he gets closer he puts up his hand like he is going to wave or something, and I almost start to wave back and he grabs my chest, keeps running," BYU student Sage Hassell said.

Hassell is on BYU's triathlon team, and her team runs that trail frequently. She and her two friends were on that trail when the man groped her.

"I was just in pure shock, I looked over at my friends and I couldn't believe what just happened," Hassell said.

She said next time she will plan to run with guys. She was surprised someone would do that when she was with two other girls.

Provo police said that man groped two other women running like Hassell and said he kept on running in each case. All three women reported it to police.

The suspect in both cases has a similar description, and Heidi posted a picture of him and a warning to her friends about what happened to her in the bathroom at Timpanogos trail.

The suspect is described as a white male who stands 5-feet, 10-inches tall and has a medium build. He has short, blond hair and a short beard. He was seen wearing black running tights and black shirt with a jacket tied around his waist.

Anyone with information about the alleged crimes or the suspect should contact police in Orem or Provo.

PROVO, Utah – Just in time for the Sundance Film Festival, the Provo Police Department is showing off its acting chops in a “short film” with a warning for residents.

PROVO, Utah - Provo Mayor John Curtis has named Provo Police interim Chief Rich Ferguson as the new Provo Police Chief Tuesday.

Chief Ferguson has been with the Provo Police for more than 26 years and has served as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Interim Chief since March, according to Mayor Curtis.

"It would be hard to find someone more qualified to lead this department," Mayor Curtis said. "Chief Ferguson is someone the community can expect to be very consistent and always conduct himself with the highest level of integrity."

Chief Ferguson's promotion comes after Chief John King resigned back in March.

PROVO – We can’t all grow glorious beards, a truth that I’ve painfully experienced first-hand.

But in a video shared by the Provo Police Department, we learn it’s not the beard that makes the man but the man that makes the beard… Okay, maybe not that cheesy. But the video is quite funny.

Provo Police began purchasing temporary exemptions to the department’s grooming policy. Police say the money raised will go straight to funding local child hunger programs operated by The United Way.

“If you’ve wondered why your neighborhood officer is a little scruffy looking, it was for a good cause,” reads the department’s Facebook post.

When it comes to the less beard-fully enclined, however, we must march on through our own beard-envy and others beard-scrimination as one Provo Officer has been forced to learn the hard way.

PROVO, Utah – A retired K9 from the Provo Police Department has passed away.

According to a post made by the police department, Loki died of natural causes.

The post stated:

“We wish to express our thanks and condolences to Officer Scott Nielsen who worked with Loki, welcomed him into his family, and took care of him through the last day of his life. Loki was a great presence in our department and in our community.”

In October of this year, the police department reported that Loki was retiring, after serving the community for six years.

Loki made “innumerable drug searches” as a K9 unit, and was able to entertain and educate local children about his duties.

The Provo Police Department stated in October:

“Even though Loki is only 7 1/2 years old, some recent debilitating health concerns are forcing him into an early retirement. Loki has been battling complications with a liver disease, and back pain. The Police Department is looking for a new K9, but we are pleased that Loki will retire to the permanent care of his current partner, Officer Nielsen. Please give a salute to K9 Loki to share our appreciation for his service.”

UPDATE: Police stated Friday the stolen truck was found abandoned but the suspect remains at-large.

Previous story continues below:

PROVO, Utah — Police in Provo are looking for a stolen Provo City Power truck Thursday.

Police say the 2006 white Chevy long-bed half-ton truck has a yellow power logo on its doors and was stolen from the city shops.

The truck has license plate 76393 ex and the truck has a #31 on the tailgate.

Police say a Hispanic male stole the truck and drove it through a fence to exit the shops, causing some damage to the front-end of the vehicle. The theft occurred around 2:56 p.m. Thursday.

Anyone who sees the power truck is asked to call Provo Police. Dispatch can be reached at 801-852-6210.

Fox 13 News will update this story as more details emerge.

PROVO, Utah – After posting an online poll to name the newest K9 unit for the Provo Police Department, a decision has finally been made.

The adorable, 16-month-old Malinois-Shepherd mix will be named Odin. Police said the name was selected after it won 54 percent of the public’s votes.

A poll had been created for people to choose between the names Odin, and Drax.  Democracy prevailed, and in the end, the Provo community was able to choose the Norse name for police department’s newest furry coworker.

The addition of Odin to Provo Police came shortly after Loki, a retired K9 unit for the department, passed away in December of 2017.

PROVO, Utah – The Provo Police Department is warning the public about the possible circulation of counterfeit bills, after a local man was arrested for forgery.

Jack Daniels Levitski, 33, was arrested on Jan. 4 for possession forgery writing/device, forgery, and unlawful acquisition/possess/transfer-card charges.

According to a probable cause statement released by the Utah County Sheriff, a search warrant was executed on Levitski’s home at 1675 N 200 W in Provo.  Upon entering the residence, officers located, “a small plastic 20 fl oz mountain dew bottle containing a liquid and several bills of US currency inside.”  Police stated that Levitski was allegedly “washing” currency, a method of counterfeiting where lower bills are made into a larger denominations, such as $50 or $100.

Levitski reportedly admitted to police that he had the intent of counterfeiting the value of U.S. currency.

This was not the first time Levitski was arrested for counterfeiting money. In Nov. of 2017, he was arrested for one count of forgery, two counts of possess forgery writing/device, one count of obstruction of justice, as well as several drug charges.

Police said in a statement that on Nov. 22, 2017, officers responded to calls of a male, who used a fraudulent bill at a store in American Fork. The male was identified as Levitski, who was found in a nearby hotel/motel room. Officers searched the room, where they found “multiple illegal items,” including images found on 100 dollar bills, printer paper, ink cartridges, blanks checks and a check belonging to another person.

Levitski informed officers during this arrest that he had used to printer to counterfeit cash, but it was, “of poor quality.”

According to the police officer who wrote a probable cause statement for the Nov. 2017 arrest, “Levitski informed me he did use a $100 he believed may be fraudulent, but he thought the worker would have informed him if it was fake.”

In a Facebook post made by the Provo Police Department, the “pen” test to detect counterfeit bills would not detect the money Levitski was producing, because he was altering real currency of a lesser value. Police asked the public to contact detectives at 801-852-6255 if they believe they may have received the counterfeit bills.

According to Sergeant Nisha King of the Provo Police Department, it was unclear how many bills may be in circulation that Levitski produced. She warned for people to remain vigilant, and contact police, especially if they believe to have received a counterfeit $50 or $100 bill.

PROVO, Utah – Recognize this person? Provo Police are asking for your help identifying a suspect who was caught on camera breaking into cars.

Officers said the alleged crime happened over the last 72 hours.

In the video, the suspect breaks into a parked car and starts going through the glovebox.

Provo Police said they would like to hear from anyone who may have information at (801) 852-6210.

PROVO, Utah - Provo Animal Control Officers are seeking a cougar that was sighted in a local neighborhood, that may have killed three animals.

"The neighbor found a dead cat, dog, and raccoon," said Manny Griffith.  Griffith is the one who first spotted the cougar two weeks ago. "I was coming out the door for work. I thought I saw a deer, and I look and it's rustling up against the fence, and I step back and pull out my phone."

Griffith only managed to capture about 2 seconds of the cougar on camera before it bolted off his driveway.

The Division of Wildlife Resources isn't certain if the same cougar is responsible for killing the three animals found on his neighbor's lawn.

"There’s deer and there's mountain lions, moose, elk," pointed out Sarah Kelley, who was taking her dog for a walk at a nearby park Tuesday. "They are all over the place. It kind of just comes with the territory."

Provo Police reminded the public that seeing a cougar is rare, but still possible:

Reminder, we all share habitat with Utah wildlife. It’s one of the great things about living in Provo. Cougars are secretive animals and nocturnal hunters so sightings are very rare, but if you see one in the city please call the police or the Division of Wildlife Resources. Here is the best advice from our state wildlife managers about staying safe in cougar country: https://wildlife.utah.gov/learn-mo…/living-with-cougars.html

The DWR asks anyone who spots a cougar to report it to them directly.

PROVO, Utah – Five women have filed a lawsuit against the City of Provo, Utah, and former Provo Chief of Police John King. They allege in their lawsuit that the city had full knowledge of Chief John King’s history of complaints of sexual harassment and abuse, years before Chief King reportedly raped a woman in the police department in Jan. 2017.

King was let go three months later, in March 2017.

The first accounts of alleged sexual harassment by King started in July 2014.

One plaintiff said King started treating her inappropriately in April of that year. Complaint documents stated, “Chief King made a comment about her breasts, referring to them as ‘puppies’.”

Further alleged harassment finally lead up to that plaintiff quitting her job at the dispatch center in July 2014. The lawsuit states in her exit interview, the plaintiff wanted to file a formal complaint.

Another woman stated in March of 2015, she assisted Chief King with a copier machine and when she finished, “he reached his arm around her and firmly groped her right breast and pulled her closer to him three times as he said ‘good job.’”

That same woman reported in the lawsuit that, “His advances reached a point where she would hide in her office or the bathroom if she heard Chief King coming toward her office.”

The lawsuit states the plaintiffs felt helpless – because their complaints to the city were not stopping King’s behavior.

Another woman said King sexually assaulted her four or five times.

The lawsuit states: “It got to the point where, upon the arrival of Chief King at the dispatch center, the dispatchers would immediately ‘stand up’ or ‘cover up’ to try to avoid Chief King’s leering.”

After the first dispatcher quit in July 2014, Mayor John Curtis called a supervisor meeting. According to the lawsuit:

“… the Mayor told all the supervisors that he did not want to hear any more complaints about Chief King. Mayor Curtis also told supervisors that Chief King would remain for as long as Curtis was mayor. Additionally, and upon information and belief, there was at least one closed-door meeting held in late 2015 or early 2016 by the Provo City Council regarding Chief King and his continued misconduct, including sexual misconduct. Upon information and belief, none of these meetings resulted in the discipline or censure of Chief King. The result of this unfettered power was the rape of another police department victim…. In January of 2017, Chief King engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact with her and, despite her protests to Chief King that she did not want to engage in sexual relations, Chief King persisted and raped her…”

That alleged rape victim was so afraid, the lawsuit states, to report the rape to human resources, that she waited until King was on vacation to come forward.

The lawsuit alleges that victim called Mayor Curtis directly and told him over the phone what King did to her.

“Even then, however, Mayor Curtis tried to sweep Chief King’s misconduct under the rug, telling the department that Chief King had taken administrative leave to care for his sick mother…”

Plaintiffs released a statement through their attorney regarding their lawsuit:

“Provo City failed when it hired John King to be its Chief of Police. Then Provo City failed to protect and believe these brave women when they reported their claims about King. In order to move forward, Provo City needs to start by believing these women. Provo City needs to believe that stewardship and accountability require more than simply blaming a previous administration and leaving this issue to the lawyers. The city is responsible no matter who was previously or currently in charge.”
– Parsons Behle & Latimer Attorneys at Law

Congressman John Curtis’ statement regarding the lawsuit as well:

“The behavior of former Provo Chief of Police, John King, is appalling. His reported actions against the people that serve and protect our communities with honor are despicable and I strongly condemn them. The brave women who have come forward have my full support.

Despite what’s being inaccurately reported, I would never shield or protect a predator or abuser. I have a history of doing the exact opposite and I’m confident as the legal process unfolds, the details will show I acted responsibly given the information I had at the time.

Like most situations, in hindsight, perhaps there could have been things done better. At the time, with all the facts that I had, I believe I did the best I could and followed the protocols established by the city of Provo acting on the advice of the city attorney and human resources.

As a mayor and now a member of Congress I am fully committed to doing my best to be transparent and accessible.”

Provo City released this statement in response:

“Provo City has received a copy of the complaint that was filed this morning alleging sexual misconduct by former Police Chief John King. The City has retained Heather S. White, head of the Governmental Law Group at Snow Christensen & Martineau to represent the City in this action. Our legal team and others here are carefully reviewing the allegations, and the internal investigation into the claims is proceeding, as well. While the investigation is pending, it is important that Provo City refrain from commenting on the particulars of the allegations. Once the investigation is completed and the answer to the complaint filed, the City may be able to comment further. Provo City does not and will not condone sexual harassment, nor does it condone intimidation or retaliation against employees for reporting misconduct or pursuing rights under the law. Mayor Michelle Kaufusi is continuing her efforts to spread that word far and wide throughout City departments. It is a top priority for her to ensure that every employee here has a safe and comfortable work environment.”

To read the full lawsuit, click here.

UTAH COUNTY -- As the years passed by, Elizabeth Salgado's uncle's faith never faltered.

“Everyday I would wake up with an attitude that is today is the day we're going to find her," Rosemberg Salgado said.

But that hope was shattered when two Provo Police officers showed up on the Salgado's doorstep in California Thursday.

“I never, never ever thought that she would be found this way,” Rosemberg said.

Investigators told the family a hiker found Elizabeth’s body lost among the trees in Hobble Creek Canyon, way off the beaten path and by how decomposed her body was police say she was likely there for years. The death is being investigated as a homicide.

While investigators work to figure out how her body got there, her family is heartbroken at the tragic end.

“She only wanted the best in her life and it's just sad that her life ended up in a terrible situation,” Rosemberg said.

Tragedy striking only three weeks after his niece moved to Utah to learn English back in April of 2015.

“[She] wanted to start a great life and find a great guy in the church and marry in the temple: that was her dream,” Rosemberg said.

While Elizabeth is gone, the family still holding onto hope for justice.

“This monster that did this is going to be found and fast,” Rosemberg said.

The family plans to bring Elizabeth’s remains to Mexico, where she will be buried.

A fatal go-kart crash in Provo on July 17, 2018. Image courtesy Provo Police.

PROVO, Utah — A man suffered fatal injuries while driving a go-kart on a street in Provo Tuesday night.

Wednesday the deceased was identified as 46-year-old Chad Norton.

Sgt. Nisha King with Provo Police said officers responded to the area of 750 South Meadow Drive around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday after Norton crashed while operating a self-made go-kart.

Police say Norton was driving southbound on Meadow Drive when he hit a speed bump, lost control of the vehicle and impacted a concrete curb.

Norton was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

There were no other vehicles involved and no reports of further injuries beyond the fatality.

Investigators did not find a helmet or a seat belt in the wreckage of the vehicle, and King said go-karts are not allowed on the streets of Provo.

PROVO, Utah — A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday after police said he resisted arrest and bit an officer near his groin, causing “significant injury” to his thigh.

According to a probable cause statement released by the Provo Police Department, an officer arrived at the scene of a traffic accident on Sept. 4 where two vehicle occupants reportedly walked away. The statement says the officer found a vehicle with damage to the front and a damaged Provo City stop sign.

The officer stated that another man in a car came up to him and told him the abandoned vehicle belonged to his friend Travis Fuimaono.

After learning Fuimaono’s name, police said officers were asked to find and contact him. Upon being contacted, however, the probable cause statement said Fuimaono “got upset” and charged after one of the officers, attempting to punch him.

The report states that other officers on the scene attempted to take Fuimaono into custody, which Fuimaono resisted. It was then he bit an officer on the thigh, after punching another in the chest.

Fuimaono was charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer in uniform, interfering with an arresting officer and failure to make a written report after an accident.

PROVO, Utah – A teenage boy was transported to a hospital with serious injuries after he was hit by a police car in Provo Thursday.

The boy was riding a skateboard near 200 East and 300 south around 6 p.m. when he was hit by a Provo Police cruiser.

The boy was taken to the hospital with serious injuries to his legs.

Officials said his injuries did not appear to be life threatening. Utah Highway Patrol is investigating.

It is unknown who had the right of way. Officials will be looking at video footage from nearby cameras and investigating further.