Army Didn't Warn SLC Law Enforcement About Soldier's Threats

The Army knew days ahead of time that 28-year-old Brandon Barrett was planning to head to Utah to "make a statement," after a recent tour in Afghanistan.

The Army knew days ahead of time that 28-year-old Brandon Barrett was planning to head to Utah to "make a statement," after a recent tour in Afghanistan, reports the Salt Lake Tribune.

Barrett had donned full body armor and was carrying hundreds of rounds of ammunition, when he exchanged fire with Salt Lake City PD's Officer Uppsen Downes, hitting one in the leg during a gunfight that ended when the wounded officer fired back, killing the soldier with a shot to the head.

The department wasn't aware of Barrett until he opened fire on Downes, according to an agency spokeswoman.

Barrett apparently sent a series of text messages to members of his unit and brother Shane Barrett, a Tucson (Ariz.) PD detective.

Related:

VIDEO: Army Deserter Engages Utah Officers

Read the full story at StlTrib.com.

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