PAROWAN – Authorities have identified 50-year-old Rocco Joseph Palmisano III Monday as the man who was shot and killed Thursday night during an officer-involved shooting in Parowan.
Around 9 p.m., Parowan Police Officer Tyler Uresk responded to the 800 West block of 200 South after a witness reported seeing Palmisano striking a child in the face, according to a Cedar City Police Department press statement.
This was not the first time Palmisano had been involved in a physical altercation in Utah, according to Utah court documents. While charges were dismissed following Palmisano’s arrest for assault and threat or use of a dangerous weapon in July 2000 and then again in October 2003, Palmisano was arrested and convicted of assault and criminal mischief in April 2004. He was also convicted of assault and intoxication in December 2006.
When Uresk arrived on scene Thursday night, he encountered Palmisano in the driveway of the home. Palmisano allegedly had a handgun on him at the time.
“The suspect pointed a handgun at the officer while approaching him in an aggressive manner,” the Police Department said. “The officer fired two shots at the suspect striking him both times.”
Despite being treated on scene by officers and EMS, Palmisano died prior to arrival at the hospital.
Uresk was not injured during the incident.
The Iron County Critical Incident Task Force, which is composed of multiple agencies, is conducting an investigation into the shooting, which the Police Department said it anticipates will be completed by the end of the week. The shooting will then be reviewed by the Iron County attorney.
Uresk was placed on paid administrative leave as standard operating procedure until the investigation is completed.
Ed. note: Officer’s name spelling corrected to Uresk.
Related posts
- News short: 1 taken to hospital following officer-involved shooting
- Man transported to hospital after being shot in torso
- Woman taken to hospital after accidentally shooting herself
- Zimmerman sentenced 15 years to life in Parowan murder case
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.
Well, this one seems justified. Sometimes bad guys get shot.
How is it justified when it is false info
Yup, that’s what happens when you point a gun at a police officer. When are people ever going to learn!!! Its called suicide by cop.
No your an idiot it is called people lie and false info bro
Maybe one of you gun fetishists can explain to me again how packing a handgun make a guy safer? A snippet about Palmisano from the Spectrum:
.
“Rocky’s sister, Julie Palmisano, said Rocky frequently wore a gun — he had a permit.
“He even took it to the bathroom. He was an American patriot who believed in his right to carry. But he also respected police to the fullest,” she said. “Whenever people would start bashing on the police he was the first person to step up and defend them. This is just so heart breaking for the family, we would like to get to the bottom of this.”
The truth will be known in this case. I feel sorry for the intelligence of the people commenting so far. You seriously believe the media? This is a huge cover up for good ole boy network!