Man killed by police at Smith’s store in Provo
A Payson man was shot and killed Saturday night at Smith’s grocery store in Provo.
Police received a call around 8:40 p.m. from the Smith’s store on Freedom Boulevard about a disorderly conduct incident, said Provo police Capt. Cliff Argyle.
A Smith’s employee had witnessed Ronald Ethington, 35, shoplifting beer, and Ethington tried to flee through the front door, Argyle said. The employee physically restrained the man, and another employee arrived to help. They were able to get Ethington into an office area near the customer service area, and the store called police.
When officers arrived, the two employees were still struggling with Ethington, Argyle said. One officer tried to use a Taser on the man, but it wasn’t successful.
Ethington then pulled out a .357-caliber revolver and pointed it at the officers, who both fired at him, Argyle said. Ethington was hit, and an officer performed first aid on him, but he was pronounced dead at the store.
None of the officers were injured in the incident, Argyle said. A Smith’s employee sustained an injury to his hand during the struggle.
Argyle said the Provo Police Department had had no previous documented contact with Ethington.
Ethington’s body has been taken to the state medical examiner’s office. The shooting is being investigated by the Utah County Officer-Involved Incident Protocol Task Force.
After the shooting, police blocked off the entrances to the store’s parking lot and crime scene tape blocked the entrance to the store.
