ST. GEORGE — On Friday, the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office released the name of the man who died Thursday after threatening to kill a child with a gun following a traffic stop on Old Highway 91 near Beaver Dam, Arizona.
Update Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m.: The story has been updated to include the name of the man who was killed Thursday by police after a standoff.
According to a statement issued Thursday by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, detectives from Washington City Police Department were attempting contact with a suspect from a disorderly conduct incident where a firearm was brandished Saturday night in Washington City. The suspect’s name, Oscar Alcantara, 30, was released Friday in a follow-up statement.
The investigation led detectives to an address in St. George, where the suspect was reportedly observed leaving as a passenger inside of a small SUV.
On Thursday, Washington City detectives made a traffic stop in the vehicle when a female driver exited the SUV running. The female reportedly told detectives that the male in the back seat had a gun and her infant son was also in the vehicle.
The man was able to enter the driver seat and then fled the traffic stop at a high rate of speed, the release states. Due to the nature and threat to the child, detectives and officers from St. George and Washington City pursued the vehicle through St. George, Santa Clara, Ivins and onto Old Dixie Highway 91 into Mohave County in Arizona.
The SUV came to a stop on Old Highway 91 near Beaver Dam, Arizona. Officers attempted communication with the suspect; however, he fled into an open field with the child and handgun, according to the news release.
Officers set up containment and established communication with the suspect by phone. The suspect continued to threaten to kill the child and was observed pointing the gun at the child, the report states. Despite the officer’s efforts to peacefully resolve this incident, at least one officer fired a weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect died at the scene.
The child appeared to be unharmed and was transported to St. George Regional Hospital by Beaver Dam Fire Department for evaluation.
Since this incident occurred in Mohave County, Arizona, the investigation will be conducted by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.