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.

PROVO, Utah — The Provo Police Department released photos of an unlikely fight that officers had to break up Monday night, between two “kids.”

According to a Facebook post by Provo police, Officer Brian Wortman responded to a call of two goats fighting in the roadway near 400 E. Center St. at around 10 p.m. and had to detain them.

“Three citizens saw the goats and made a citizen/goat arrest and held them until Officer Wortman arrived,” the post said.

Wortman used leg restraints to tie the goats up, but they continued to fight.

Animal Control arrived at the scene and was able to break up the fight, police said.

PROVO, Utah — Two suspects were charged in Provo Saturday after police say a woman posed as a magazine salesperson and stole a disabled man’s credit cards, putting numerous charges on them.

Officers took a report of a theft from a disabled man, who stated that he allowed a woman into his home who was posing as a magazine salesperson. The man told police that at some point, the woman took his credit cards.

Police said shortly after the alleged theft, the woman used the man’s card to make “numerous charges.”

The woman was eventually identified by police as Keyaira Norton-Rushton and a male who was involved in the incident was identified as Edwin York, Provo police said.

Officers said they were able to use surveillance footage obtained from stores where the credit cards were used to identify the suspects.

On Saturday, Norton-Rushton and York were located, and police said they were in possession of the disabled man’s property.

Norton-Rushton was charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a third-degree felony, Theft by deception, a class-A misdemeanor, use or possession of drug paraphernalia a class-B misdemeanor, unlawful use of a financial transaction card, a class-A misdemeanor and unlawful acquisition of a financial card without consent, a third-degree felony.

York was charged with exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a third-degree felony, theft by deception, a class-B misdemeanor, possession or use of a controlled substance a class-B misdemeanor, use or possession of drug paraphernalia a class-B misdemeanor, unlawful use of a financial transaction card a class-A misdemeanor and Unlawful acquisition of a financial card without consent, a third-degree felony.

PROVO, Utah — Police are investigating after a fisherman found a dead woman in the Provo River Monday evening.

According to the Provo Police Department, 64-year-old Kathleen Lewis was found in the river near 900 North and 800 West around 5 p.m. by a fisherman who lives nearby.

Police believe the woman was in the river for only a short period of time before she was found, and they say she has injuries consistent with falling down the bank and injuring her head.

“…but a body in the river is obviously suspicious and we are pursuing every investigative opportunity to learn what happened,” Provo Police wrote on Facebook. “We do not currently suspect foul play or have any suspects, but if anyone saw Kathleen in the park or has information about her activities yesterday please contact us.”

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

OREM, Utah -- Police said a suspect could face charges of aggravated murder of a police officer after 29-year-old Provo Police Officer Joseph Shinners was shot and killed in the line of duty Saturday night.

The Orem Police Department's Chief of Police Gary Giles said in a press conference that at 9:53 p.m. Saturday, officers received information that a wanted fugitive who had been making threats of violence toward police officers was parked near a Bed Bath & Beyond in Orem on 50 W. University Parkway.

Both Provo and Orem police officers located the suspect's vehicle, and "were attempting to quickly and tactfully take him into custody," Giles said.

While attempting to arrest the suspect Giles stated that Officer Shinners was shot. It appeared that Shinners was able to fire at the suspect, hitting him at least once.

Giles said his department would be handling the criminal investigation into Shinner's death because the incident occurred in Orem City limits.

"This is a very fresh and active investigation," Giles said. "There are going to be a lot of [questions] that we will be unable to release right now."

Giles said the name of the suspect would not be released Sunday, but he identified the individual as a 40-year-old male who was recently known to be either homeless or staying with friends in the Orem and Provo areas.

The suspect was in custody at a local hospital, and appeared to be in stable condition, Giles stated.

The suspect could face multiple charges for the shooting death of Shinners, including the possibility of aggravated murder of a police officer, according to Giles.

In addition to the criminal investigation made by the Orem Police Department into the shooting, Giles said a parallel investigation would be conducted by the Utah County Officer-involved Shooting Protocol Team.

Giles said Orem officers and police agencies stand behind the Provo Police Department in this time of grieving.

"We stand united with you," Giles said. "Political boundaries of a city do not take away the hurt or the pain."

A Springville resident who often creates snow sculptures is honoring a Provo Police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

Joseph Shinners, 29, was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire with a wanted fugitive Saturday night in Orem. 

Jason Averett shared several photos of a sculpture crafted in Shinners’ honor in Springville. He said the sculpture is on the way to Hobble Creek near the roundabout.

“This is an awesome tribute for the Provo police officer shot last night,” Averett said.

It was not immediately clear who created the sculpture.

Gov. Herbert has ordered flags in Utah lowered to half-staff until Shinners’ funeral. 

PROVO, Utah -- Flags surround City Hall in Provo as Utah mourns the death of officer Joseph Shinners, and flags across the state are at half-staff until his funeral. 

Provo Police have also planned a public candlelight vigil in Shinners' honor. That event will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 48 South and 300 West.

Shinners was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fugitive behind a store in Orem Saturday night. 

While few details about the encounter are available at this point, police say Shinners was killed in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect.

Gov. Gary Herbert spoke about the tragedy Monday.

"There's no words to express the dismay, and I know we've offered condolences to the family," he said. "I'll be talking to the family hopefully later today."

Herbert said this is a tragic reminder to show love to those around us.

"It just reminds us that, you know, life is dangerous. Life is short; it's unpredictable," Herbert said. "Give everybody a hug today that you love, and even to those you don't love."

He also expressed his gratitude for those who put themselves at risk for their community.

"We certainly appreciate those men and women in uniform who go out there, and every day go out the door, to serve and protect and know that they may not be coming home," he said.

Investigators with the Orem Police Department are handling the investigation, and authorities are expected to release the name of the suspect later Monday.

Officer Shinners car has been covered in mementos from well wishers, and a covering has gone up Monday due to the inclement weather. The memorial includes stuffed animals, notes and a couple of hockey sticks.

The Provo Police Department announced Monday that funeral services for Shinners will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 11 a.m. The services will be held at the Utah Valley University UCCU Event Center on 800 W. University Parkway in Orem.

A memorial fund for Shinners' family has been set up and can be found here.

OREM, Utah -- This has been an incredibly difficult week for many folks here in Utah County.

First and foremost, for the family and friends of Master Officer Joe Shinners, but also for the law-enforcement community.

Officers from Provo, Utah and Salt Lake counties are preparing for Saturday's funeral and burial.

One week after Shinners was gunned down in the line of duty in Orem, his funeral will take place at Utah Valley University.

A large crowd is expected and officials are doing everything they can to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

"They want to get organized to the point so that when it's all over the family has nothing but good memories about the day, fond memories, maybe even pleasant memories about the day," said Sgt. Spencer Cannon of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. "...The level of organization is incredible."

There will be a public viewing Friday between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. at an LDS Church meetinghouse in Springville, located at 400 North and 400 East.

The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday at UVU. A large crowd is expected, and officials encourage folks to show up a little early and make sure they are seated in time for the service.

Following the funeral, a procession will leave Orem. It will detour through Provo and into Springville, ending at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The cemetery has a small parking area and police encourage those interested in attending the burial to carpool.

PROVO, Utah — The family of a man suspected of killing a Provo Police officer during an exchange of gunfire in Orem has released a statement.

Police say Matt Frank Hoover shot and killed Officer Joseph Shinners as police tried to take Hoover into custody. Hoover was a wanted fugitive at the time.

A family spokesman issued a statement, saying the are deeply saddened by his actions.

The full statement reads:

“We, as extended family of Matt Hoover, are deeply saddened for his actions that took Officer Joe Shinners’ life. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family. We strongly stand behind and extend our support to law enforcement and to the community who lost a brother, friend and all around hero.”

Funeral services for Shinners will be held Saturday in Orem. 

OREM, Utah -- Thousands of people gathered Saturday to honor the life and service of Provo Police Officer Joseph Shinners, who was killed in the line of duty in early January. 

Shinners was a 3-year veteran of the Provo Police Department, Chief Richard Ferguson said in a press conference shortly after Shinners was killed.

Shinners was a father and husband, Ferguson said. He was assigned to the police department's patrol division, focusing on the Provo Business District, and was also a member of the bicycle patrol and SWAT team.

Dozens of volunteers spent Friday afternoon preparing the procession route before the funeral, tying ribbons to honor Shinners.

The Utah Department of Corrections posted a photo to their Facebook page Saturday, showing American flags lining the streets on the procession route:

Video of Shinners' funeral can be seen below:

OREM, Utah -- Kaylyn Shinners, the wife of fallen Provo Police Officer Joseph Shinners, spoke at her late husband's funeral Saturday, surrounded by thousands of mourners, Utah leaders, and law enforcement officials.

Master Officer Joseph Shinners was killed in the line of duty in early January. He was a 3-year veteran of the Provo Police Department.

During his funeral service Saturday, his wife Kaylyn reflected on her husband's life, through the precious moments they shared.

"My husband was so many wonderful things," Kaylyn said. "What I will miss most about him and what I will honor, is who he was in the quieter moments in our life at home and with me and my son."

Kaylyn shared a story of her husband's generous nature, recounting a number of times when he would pay $60 of his own money to help someone who needed a warm hotel to sleep in.

She shared the simple things that made him smile, "Joe is the man who loves clean sheets."

She reflected on the competitive spirit that made Joseph Shinners who he was.

"Joe is the man who loved to play soccer and loved to play hockey... even though he spent forty percent of every game in the penalty box," she said as the audience let out a chuckle.

For Kaylyn, it was the funny moments, "Joe is the man that had no fear. Unless it was snakes, that was the only time he threatened to divorce me," she laughed.

Most of all, she shared the moments that truly gave him life.

"He was the man who went from being scared to have a baby to snuggling our son to sleep every night," Kaylyn said. "That was the last thing he did before going to work Saturday night."

She said that Shinners was so excited when he and Kaylyn's son was born, that he followed a nurse around the room holding out his hands, waiting for the chance to hold his child for the first time.

Through tear filled eyes, she took a moment to catch her breath and smile, "Joe is the man that would end arguments with me by responding with nonsense phrases until I couldn't argue with him anymore."

Saturday, Kaylyn said goodbye, but not forever.

"He is my partner and companion for eternity and I look forward to being reunited with him."

Kaylyn thanked the public for the support that she has gotten following her husband's death. There is a GoFundMe page that has been set up for Joseph Shinners' memorial funds and family, it can be found HERE.

Kaylyn's speech can be watched below (it starts at minute 55):

SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Two Provo Police officers were heading back to Utah County after a memorial service honoring the late Master Officer Joseph Shinner in Salt Lake City when they approached a wall of traffic near 2100 South.

According to Provo Police, Master Officers Ken Newell and Robyn Newell noticed an accident had just happened, so they pulled up and saw the driver of a semitruck, unconscious and not breathing.

In the video, they respond by immediately beginning CPR, along with good Samaritan Justin Letizia; Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. David Moreno said it might have actually saved his life.

"Every day, officers all over the United States respond to similar accidents while on shift," Provo Police said in a tweet. "Ken and Robyn Newell were outside of Provo City but still chose to act and help a citizen in need while the driver of the semi-truck was in his 'crucible moment.' We applaud their heroism."

PROVO, Utah — A teenage boy died from injuries he suffered after falling off a moped Friday night in a Provo church parking lot, according to police.

Provo Police and Fire responded to the area, 350 N. 900 East, to reports of a 17-year-old falling off a moped. He was taken to the hospital and later died there, according to the Provo Police Department on Twitter.

Utah Valley Hospital staff were able to keep the teen alive long enough to see his family and to “say their goodbyes,” police stated.

“While this is truly a heartbreaking incident, we appreciate medical staff working so hard to be able to give one last moment for the family,” the department wrote.

Provo Police are investigating, but say it seems like an accidental death based on preliminary observations.

PROVO, Utah — A man who was shot by a bystander who intervened in a domestic dispute has died, Provo Police said Tuesday.

Sgt. Nisha King, Provo Police, confirmed Tuesday morning the man who was critically injured in Monday night's shooting has died.

He has been identified as 26-year-old Jeremy Sorensen.

King said police were dispatched to apartments near 500 North and 200 East around 8 p.m. Monday on a report  a man had been shot.

Police arrived and found Sorensen with gunshot wounds, and he was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

Investigators learned Sorensen had been involved in a "domestic disturbance" and that another man had spotted him on the ground fighting with a woman in a driveway.

King said Sorensen and an 18-year-old woman were on the ground "physically fighting" when the passerby stopped to confront Sorensen.

"The un-involved male pulled up, got out, there was some sort of verbal exchange between he and the male, and he produced a firearm and shot an unknown number of rounds at the male involved in the domestic," King said.

King later said the passerby tried to speak with the man and then gave several warnings, but got no response from Sorensen before firing his weapon.

The woman from the initial incident was taken to a hospital, where she was treated and released. Specific details about her injuries were not immediately available.

King said Sorensen and the woman are "acquaintances" and were not dating, but no further details about the nature of their relationship were immediately available.

All people involved are cooperating with police, who are investigating to determine what happened and how to move forward.

The Utah County Attorney's office will determine if charges will be filed.

King said it can be difficult to know when to intervene in a situation, but she said you should always begin by calling 911.

"I can't say this is how you should respond or you shouldn't respond because each situation is so different," King said.

Support is available 24/7 in Utah for those dealing with domestic violence. Visit the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition online or call 1-800-897-5465 for resources and assistance. In an emergency, dial 911.

PROVO, Utah — The family of a man who was shot and killed by a passerby who witnessed an assault in Provo has written a letter to the community and police department.

Provo Police posted the letter Monday.

The letter comes after Jeremy Sorensen was shot and killed in Provo by a passerby who said he saw Sorensen assaulting a woman on a driveway. The man shot Sorensen after warning him to stop the assault, police said. 

The letter from the Sorensen family states they are deeply saddened by his death, and they thanked the witnesses at the scene and responding police officers.

“We trust and are hopeful that honest and just conclusions will be made by the Utah County Attorney’s Office from the evidence gathered by the police,” the letter states in part.

The full text of the letter as released by Provo Police is reproduced below:

We are deeply saddened over our son Jeremy’s death and the circumstances under which it occurred.

We appreciate the efforts of those who witnessed the shooting and ran to Jeremy’s assistance until police and emergency vehicles arrived. We also honor their courage in providing evidence during the investigation.

We appreciate the police officers who responded to the crime scene and the compassion they showed toward our son.

We are grateful for the dedication and openness of the Provo Police Department throughout the investigation.

We trust and are hopeful that honest and just conclusions will be made by the Utah County Attorney’s Office from the evidence gathered by the police.

Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen