Courtney TannerA man who was shot by police last week after he reportedly attempted to rob a restaurant in Kearns has died.
James Lyle Kuehn, 61, went to Fiesta Olé, at 4098 W. 5415 South, on Thursday and demanded money from the cashier, according to a probable cause statement. The employee told officers that Kuehn pointed a knife at him that looked like “a prison shank.”
The worker walked back into the kitchen and grabbed a large cheese knife, which he swung at Kuehn, who retreated back into the public dining area. Customers got between the two men, and Kuehn left.
A witness then followed Kuehn to a nearby house, according to the affidavit, and directed police there. Unified Police Department officers confronted Kuehn outside the home. He did not respond to requests to drop his knife. Police first used a Taser on him, which “did not have the desired effect,” the statement says.
They then shot him. Kuehn was taken to a hospital in critical condition. He died Monday.
The shooting — one of six by Utah police over the past two weeks — is now under investigation by the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Kuehn had an extensive criminal history, stretching back to 1987 in Utah, that included dozens of misdemeanors for theft and possession of drugs. One was filed as recently as Sept. 10.
Courtney is a reporter at The Tribune, where she has worked since May 2016. She unwinds by fishing in the mountains far away from cell service. She’s a fan of bacon and Kevin Bacon.