On the evening of January 13, 1982, 32-year-old Salt Lake City Police Officer Ronald L. Heaps responded with two colleagues to a report of a suspicious person near 1300 South 300 East. The officers found a motor home and began questioning its occupants.

Heaps was struck by a bullet just above his protective vest. He was able to return fire and call for assistance but died a short time after being taken to the hospital. Two suspects at the scene were shot and killed during the exchange; no arrests were made in connection with Heaps’s death. Heaps had served six and a half years with the department and was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. He is survived by his wife and four children.

If anyone remembers the incident or has additional information about the events that night, please share what is known.