A man accused of making violent threats toward religious institutions in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, was taken into custody in Wyoming on Sunday.
Cottonwood Heights Police identified the suspect as Keith Barber, who reportedly also uses the alias “Troy Hire.”
The Cottonwood Heights Police Department (CHPD) reported that Barber had called 911 on Sunday, October 27, claiming to be “feeling violent towards Catholics” while outside a Catholic church and stated that he was carrying a knife. Barber was also accused of making unspecified violent threats against a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the same area. After the 911 call, Barber fled the scene in a gray Kia Soul with California plates, prompting CHPD to issue a warning for public safety.
Police described Barber as 6’2” tall, weighing 192 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. He was considered armed and dangerous, with police noting that he might be experiencing an unidentified mental health crisis. Authorities cautioned residents not to approach or attempt to apprehend Barber, instructing anyone who encountered him to call 911.
After fleeing Utah, Barber was located and detained in Wyoming, though the exact location of the arrest has not been disclosed.
With input from KSL.com, FOX13 Salt Lake City, ABC4.com, 2KUTV.
