• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

'I'm heartbroken, I'm shocked': Utah police officer, 29, shot dead in the line of duty

1:11
Police officer, 29, shot dead in the line of duty
Provo Police
ByEmily Shapiro
January 06, 2019, 11:14 PM

A police officer in Provo, Utah, was killed in the line of duty this weekend.

Officer Joseph Shinners was shot in the nearby town of Orem trying to apprehend a fugitive Saturday night, authorities said.

Shinners, 29, died at a hospital shortly before midnight, Provo Police Chief Richard Ferguson said at a Sunday news conference. A 3-year veteran of the department, Shinners leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son, police said.

Related Articles

(MORE: Number of law enforcement fatalities goes up in 2018 after a low in 2017)

“As chief of police, I'm furious," Ferguson said. "I’m heartbroken. I’m shocked."

Related Articles

(MORE: Slain California police officer Ronil Singh remembered as a 'great man' at emotional funeral)

The alleged shooter, a 40-year-old man who was not identified by police, was shot by Shinners and is under guard at a hospital, authorities said

The suspect is in stable condition and is set to face multiple charges, authorities said. He allegedly made recent threats of violence toward police, authorities said.

Related Articles

(MORE: Slain California officer Ronil Singh recognized with procession, honor guard viewing)

Shinners was from the Boston area. His brother is a police officer and is father was a firefighter, Ferguson said.

The chief described the slain officer as intelligent, honorable and hard working.

Shinners "exemplified the nobility of policing," Ferguson said, and now "exemplifies sacrifice and service."

ABC News' Matthew Fuhrman contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

Navy base employee critically injured in shark attack in Florida

June 10, 2026

Nick Reiner demands trust fund money to pay for his defense, court filing shows

June 9, 2026

Apple announces Siri AI and more at Tim Cook's last Worldwide Developers Conference

June 9, 2026

Man says he feels 'extremely lucky' after surviving grizzly bear encounter

June 8, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News