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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Dave Jones was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop south of Escalante.
The deputy had pulled over a pickup truck at approximately 3:30 p.m. because he suspected the driver was intoxicated. While the passenger of the truck observed, the driver was given a field sobriety test and failed. Deputy Jones handcuffed the suspect and placed him in the back seat of his patrol car. The deputy then called for a tow truck to pick up the suspect's vehicle.
The passenger, who had been riding in the truck, grabbed a rifle from inside the truck and pointed it at Deputy Jones. Deputy Jones drew his firearm and ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect opened fire, and one round struck Deputy Jones in the chest. The round penetrated Deputy Jones' bullet-resistant vest. Deputy Jones was able to return fire, striking the suspect once.
The suspect then un-cuffed his friend, and both escaped the scene. When the tow truck arrived, the driver found Deputy Jones wounded and called for help, but Deputy Jones died before the ambulance arrived.
The two suspects were apprehended within a few hours. One of the suspects had sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and chest from the shootout with Deputy Jones. Both suspects were charged with capital murder. Investigation revealed that the suspect's weapon was loaded with ammunition designed to penetrate bulletproof materials. One of the men charged with the capital murder of Deputy Jones pled guilty in exchange for a sentence of life without possibility of parole. One suspect remains incarcerated; the other died in prison.
Deputy Jones had served with the Garfield County Sheriff's Office for 16 months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Deputy Sheriff Jones gave the Garfield County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Panguitch community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Garfield County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
David is one of 84 officers killed feloniously in UT, 60.9% of the 138 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
David is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2003, 1 officer in UT was killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1913, with 6.
In 2003, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2003, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 44. Of the 78 killed feloniously in UT whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 47; the middle age was 39. David had served 1.3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
David was 44. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 1.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 44. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 1.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 11.9% of these deaths in UT; May holds the most, 14.3%. Sundays: 15.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Garfield County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.9% of all 138 deaths in UT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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