Spanish Fork, UT – A 58-year-old Spanish Fork man is facing a long list of serious felony charges after police say he opened fire on responding officers during a domestic violence call that escalated into a SWAT standoff over the weekend. Authorities say the incident forced nearby residents to shelter in place as officers worked to safely resolve the dangerous situation.
Domestic Violence Call Sparks Police Response
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched Saturday after a victim called 911 to report a physical domestic altercation inside a home in Spanish Fork. The caller told dispatchers that the suspect, later identified as Allan Searl, 58, was actively hurting her.
The victim told police that Searl strangled her during the assault. When she attempted to escape the residence, investigators say Searl dragged her back inside, escalating the violence and placing her in further danger.
Second Victim Seriously Injured
Court documents state that a second person inside the home intervened and tackled Searl, allowing the first victim to escape to a nearby neighbor’s home to seek help. The second victim later fled the residence as well.
Authorities confirmed that the second victim was later hospitalized with substantial injuries to the vertebrae in his neck, underscoring the severity of the incident and the force involved during the altercation.
Suspect Allegedly Points Gun at Officers
When officers arrived at the scene, the situation quickly escalated. Police say Searl pointed a firearm out of a window toward responding officers, placing them in immediate danger.
After officers reportedly heard gunfire from inside the residence, they requested assistance from the Utah County SWAT team. Due to the active threat, authorities issued a temporary shelter-in-place order for the surrounding neighborhood near 830 South 1520 East, asking residents to remain indoors for safety.
SWAT Standoff and Exchange of Gunfire
According to the affidavit, SWAT officers observed the suspect aiming the barrel of a firearm out a window and actively firing gunshots toward a marked SWAT armored vehicle occupied by multiple officers.
Police said officers returned fire in response. After the exchange, Searl did not fire additional shots. Tactical teams were then able to safely take him into custody without further injuries to officers or residents.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Allan Searl was booked on eight felony charges, including:
- Attempted aggravated murder for allegedly firing at officers
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Assault on a peace officer
- Felony discharge of a firearm
- Property destruction
Prosecutors emphasized that firing at law enforcement officers significantly elevates the severity of criminal charges under Utah law.
Investigation Continues
The incident remains under investigation as detectives review evidence, witness statements, and body camera footage. Authorities praised the coordinated response between patrol officers and SWAT units that helped prevent further injuries during the standoff.
Officials also highlighted the dangers domestic violence calls pose to victims and first responders, urging anyone experiencing abuse to seek help immediately.
Should penalties be even harsher for suspects who fire on police during domestic violence calls? How can communities better protect victims and first responders in these high-risk situations? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on public safety and domestic violence response in Utah.
