EVANSTON — A man accused of failing to register as a sex offender died after he was shot while local deputies were assisting the U.S. Marshals Service to serve an arrest warrant near Evanston on Wednesday, March 12.

According to a press release issued by the Uinta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded along with members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at approximately 2:55 p.m. Wednesday. Uinta County Sheriff Andy Kopp told the Herald the incident occurred at Yellow Creek Estates, the mobile home park south of Evanston now called Lindley Park.

“Upon arrival, officers encountered the individual, and the suspect eluded law enforcement,” the press release states. “After a short foot pursuit, the suspect entered an occupied building. Shortly thereafter, a brief interaction occurred in an attempt to take the suspect into custody.”

Uinta County Sheriff Andy Kopp said Monday the suspect entered a maintenance building at the park where one person was working, but they were able to exit the shop unharmed.

“Shortly thereafter, a brief interaction occurred in an attempt to take the suspect into custody,” states the release. “During the interaction, law enforcement fired their weapons.”

Although “the suspect involved was immediately provided first aid and medical care,” the release states the man died from his injuries after he was transferred to Evanston Regional Hospital.

Citing an active investigation, authorities have yet to release the suspect’s name, though they have identified him.

U.S. Marshals Service of Wyoming Chief Deputy Justin Stephenson told the Herald it’s not uncommon to work with county deputies or city officers when the U.S. Marshals Office is pursuing wanted individuals.

“The Marshals Service … we have state and federal task forces all over the country, where we partner with them and they partner with us to arrest fugitives,” he said. Those partnerships help with jurisdiction issues, he said. This is the first incident in over a year that the service has been involved with in Uinta County, he said.

Two local deputies involved in Wednesday’s incident were initially put on administrative leave per department policy. By Monday morning, Kopp said they had been cleared and will return to work this week.

The Wyoming Department of Investigation (DCI) is investigating the incident. 

“The Uinta County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining transparency and ensuring that the facts surrounding this incident are thoroughly investigated,” the press release states. “The Uinta County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating fully with the independent investigation and will provide updates as appropriate. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all interactions with law enforcement are handled with respect, professionalism, and accountability.”