Elijah James Smith, 20

West Valley City, Utah
April 08, 2018

Agencies: West Valley City Police Department - Utah

Cause of death: Shooting

Follow This Case

---

Last updated: over 5 years ago

Overview

Officers had been pursuing Elijah James Smith in response to a "routine theft call" and followed him to a house. Unsure if the home belonged to Smith, the three officers knocked on the door before entering. 

They quickly realized Smith, 20, had entered the home, where three young children had been left alone, was an intruder, when a young boy, who police say is 13-years-old, opened the door and warned there was "some guy here."

Smith was approached by police officers after a call of theft at a cell phone store in West Valley City. Police followed Elijah James Smith as he fled on foot.

The report from police said Smith entered two homes while he was running from police. In the second home three children were home alone, the oldest 13, who told the pursuing officers that a stranger was in the garage after barging into the home.

Police cornered Smith in the garage with weapons raised and told him to show his hands.

Legal Action

The Salt Lake County district attorney announced Friday, September 21, 2018, the West Valley City police officer who shot and killed Smith will not face criminal charges.