Man charged in connection with 12 hour standoff in Yalecrest neighborhood

SALT LAKE CITY — A man who prompted a 12-hour standoff with police in Salt Lake's Yalecrest neighborhood — firing shots and throwing an axe at an armored vehicle in the process — is now facing multiple charges.

Elliott Jones, 52, was charged Thursday in 3rd District Court with five counts of assault on an officer and causing property damage, all second-degree felonies.

On Nov. 6, Jones called police to talk about an eviction notice he had received earlier that day at his home near 900 South and 1900 East, according to charging documents. An officer responded to the home to try to get Jones to come outside and speak with him.

"Jones refused and began stating that he was going to shoot his gun," the charges state. "Jones would go into his house and exit out of the front door multiple times. At one point, Jones exited the house and asked (the officer) if he wanted to get into a gun fight. Jones also raised his right hand into the shape of a gun and pointed it at (the officer)."

Jones then walked back into the house, and four gunshots were heard.

"Drone footage of the house captured cracks and possible bullet holes in the windows," according to the charges.

A SWAT team was called to the scene about 5:30 p.m. An armored SWAT vehicle called a Bearcat was also brought to the home to provide cover for officers.

About 6:40 p.m., officers used a loudspeaker to order Jones to exit the home.

"After the call out, Jones exited the house carrying an axe. Jones then threw the axe towards the Bearcat and the officers that were present. The axe hit the windshield of the Bearcat causing approximately $10,000 worth of damage to the vehicle," the charges state.

The ensuing standoff with both Salt Lake City and Unified police lasted about 12 hours before officers entered the home Saturday morning and took Jones into custody without further incident. More than a half-dozen guns and boxes of ammunition were found inside the residence, according to the charges.

"Jones was also observed throwing objects and barricading the windows and doors. (Tear) gas was deployed to get Jones to surrender, but it was unsuccessful. Ultimately, Unified police SWAT members had to enter the home to take Jones into custody," charging documents state. "Although the state acknowledges Jones' lack of an extensive criminal history, Jones' behavior during the incident placed himself, officers, and the community at significant risk. Jones' erratic actions, threats involving firearms, and refusal to surrender during the prolonged standoff show that Jones is not only unwilling to comply with lawful orders from police officers, but he is willing to engage in violent and dangerous actions to prevent apprehension by police."