Domestic violence incident in West Jordan leads to SWAT team standoff

WEST JORDAN, Utah (KUTV) — A man is facing felony charges after a SWAT team standoff following an alleged domestic violence incident.

Brenden Briggs, 24, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of aggravated assault (second-degree felony), possession of a dangerous weapon by a person with impaired mobility (second-degree felony), obstruction of justice (third-degree felony), two counts of assault (class B misdemeanor), obstructing a peace officer (class B misdemeanor) and threatening violence (class B misdemeanor), West Jordan police said.

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On Tuesday evening, WJPD officers responded to reports of a domestic violence incident at an apartment complex near 6885 Redwood Road. An affidavit states Briggs had a verbal argument with the victim inside his apartment.

The victim reportedly attempted to escape from Briggs and closed a balcony door, but Briggs put his hand in the door to prevent it from closing – whereupon she slammed the door in his hand.

This is said to have angered Briggs even more.

The victim tried to escape again by going out the front door, but police said Briggs followed her, pushed her against a wall and punched her in the face.

A witness said he observed the encounter and asked Briggs to stop, but Briggs threatened them.

Fearing for their lives, the witnesses left the scene, the affidavit states.

The victim reportedly managed to escape but later returned to the apartment, thinking Briggs had calmed down. Briggs continued to argue with her, the affidavit states.

The victim then pulled out her phone and began to record Briggs, but told police he charged at her and tried to take the phone away from her.

Briggs then allegedly kicked the victim in the shin several times, leaving marks.

The victim told police that Briggs was high and under the influence of alcohol.

Officers reviewed video the victim recorded and said they heard her say “ouch.” Additionally, officers could see “what appeared to be the handle and magazine of a handgun” sticking out of Briggs’ waistband, the affidavit states.

Since firearms were involved, the special operations team was called in according to protocol. The evacuation of the people in the complex was then ordered.

Briggs reportedly has an NCIC warrant out of California for murder. The affidavit states he has multiple convictions in California for possession and domestic violence, making him a limited liability person.

Officials said Briggs had multiple opportunities to leave the house but did not comply and attempted to get into the attic to hide the gun.

Briggs was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on the above charges.

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