Police presence shuts down northbound point of entry at Utah-Arizona border

St. George Police SWAT officers surround a vehicle at the northbound Interstate 15 Port of Entry, St. George, Utah, Aug. 3, 2022 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Gunshots were heard Wednesday morning after the northbound Port of Entry on Interstate 15 at the Utah-Arizona border was shut down and St. George Police and its SWAT team surrounded a vehicle.

St. George Police SWAT officers brace against a wall at the northbound Interstate 15 Port of Entry, St. George, Utah, Aug. 3, 2022 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Police arrived shortly after 7:30 a.m., with Utah Highway Patrol and Arizona Department of Transportation officers already at the Port of Entry, which handles commercial traffic entering Utah checking for registration and making sure vehicles comply with size and weight restrictions.

At least 12 St. George Police vehicles could be seen lining the entry road.

A white passenger vehicle could be seen under the awning of the employee parking area. A black SWAT armored vehicle stationed itself about 20 yards from the vehicle and a standoff continued for an hour.

Just before 8:40 a.m., shots were heard. Shortly after, SWAT officers moved in with rifles and other weapons drawn. As the officer closed in on the vehicle, their demeanor appeared to calm.

A Gold Cross Ambulance was also on scene.

As of 10:30 a.m., the northbound Port of Entry remained closed, while the southbound entry into Arizona continued normal operations.

This is a developing story.

Update Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m. Additional photos added. Port of Entry remains closed. 

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