Agents from the Utah State Bureau of Investigation continue their investigation into the shooting incident that occurred in Vernal City on Sunday, April 28th. The identities and condition of the Vernal PD officer and man who opened fire on police was released on Monday. “Due to the recent nature of this incident, investigators are still establishing all the facts and timelines involved,” shares the announcement. “An arrest warrant has been obtained for Rookus R. Curry, and he is in custody while receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during this incident. He is currently listed in serious to critical but stable condition. The Vernal City Officer, Sgt Chad Watt, is also listed in serious to critical condition but stable at an area hospital. Sgt Watt is a 25 year veteran with the Vernal Police Department.” Court records show that 27-year-old Rookus R. Curry has been charged with Misdemeanor Failure to Stop at the Command of Law Enforcement and Threat or Use of a Dangerous Weapon in a Fight, 3rd Degree Felony Discharge of a Firearm and Aggravated Assault, 2nd Degree Felony Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Restricted Person, and 2 counts of 1st Degree Felony Attempted Aggravated Murder and Felony Discharge of a Firearm. The situation leading up to the police being called involved Rookus being in an argument with a neighbor about how the neighbor had parked his trailer. Rookus allegedly pulled out a firearm, chambered a round, and pointed the firearm at his neighbor’s head. The neighbor’s wife heard the round being chambered and called the police. The neighbor told Rookus not to point the gun at his head and Rookus complied momentarily but as the argument continued he again pointed the gun at the neighbor’s head. It was also reported that Rookus made statements to the neighbor that he was not afraid to die or go back to jail. As Officers arrived, Rookus opened fire in the direction of their vehicles. A deputy’s vehicle and the vehicle of Sgt. Watt were struck several times. The Sheriff’s deputy was narrowly missed while Sgt. Watt was struck multiple times. The Officers returned fire and Rookus was wounded and apprehended a short time later.
