Officer Ronald Manfred Wood

Ronald Manfred Wood

Officer Ronald Wood was shot and killed by a 16-year-old boy after a short foot pursuit at approximately 7:45 am.

The boy was wanted for several robberies and police had been looking for him for several days. His father had informed police of the boy's whereabouts and that he had a gun. Officer Wood spotted the suspect near South Street and West Street and chased him a short distance. The boy opened fire, striking Officer Wood in the head. After shooting Officer Wood, the suspect attempted to carjack two vehicles but was unsuccessful. He was chased into a nearby park by other officers and committed suicide after a detective fired at him.

Officer Wood was flown to University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds three hours later.

In August 2003, residents of West Jordan dedicated a newly constructed five-field baseball complex as "The Ron Wood Baseball Park."

Officer Wood had served with the West Jordan Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife.