A tense standoff in St. George, Utah, ended with the arrest of a 41-year-old man who allegedly fired more than 150 rounds at responding officers during an hours-long confrontation.
According to KTVX Salt Lake City, Benjamin Hansen was taken into custody on July 8, 2025, after a shootout with police that followed a domestic dispute and resulted in multiple criminal charges and an ongoing investigation.
The incident unfolded around 4 p.m. near 3000 East Seegmiller Drive. Authorities say they responded to reports of gunfire and found the suspect, later identified as Hansen, barricaded inside his residence. As officers arrived, Hansen is accused of opening fire, discharging over 150 rounds toward them. In response to the heavy gunfire, officers were forced to seek protection behind their patrol vehicles. According to statements from police on the scene, they narrowly avoided being struck by the bullets that riddled the area.
Confrontation Stemming From Domestic Dispute
The confrontation began with an argument between Hansen and another resident in the house. Officials revealed that the situation escalated after Hansen experienced a relapse into alcohol use earlier that day. Records show that during the encounter, he was firing a weapon while another individual remained inside the home. Police said that during the shootout, a fire ignited within the house. Despite the ongoing threat, officers held their positions outside while attempting to de-escalate the standoff. Hansen is said to have moved from inside the home to the backyard, continuing to resist arrest.
Ultimately, law enforcement officers deployed a taser to safely subdue him. Once taken into custody, Hansen reportedly admitted to knowingly firing multiple rounds during the encounter, including discharging his weapon while the unidentified victim was still inside the residence.
Suspect Faces Multiple Felonies
Following his arrest, Hansen was booked into Washington County Jail. He faces a litany of charges, including four counts of second-degree felony attempted aggravated murder and one charge of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm. Additionally, he is charged with crimes related to endangering human life and weapon possession during intoxication.
Police say the investigation remains active, and more charges may be forthcoming based on further evidence collected at the scene. Prosecutors are reviewing the case and expect additional filings in the coming weeks. In their official account, police emphasized how dangerous the situation had become, noting that without the cover of their vehicles, responding officers likely would have suffered injuries. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by officers or civilians during the incident.
Prior Incidents Raise Additional Concerns
The July 8 standoff is not Hansen’s first encounter with law enforcement. According to public records, he has a documented history of domestic violence and aggravated assault. In 2020, a protective order was filed against him, although the specifics of that order have not been made public. In March 2024, police responded to Hansen’s residence following another domestic dispute. A report from that incident described him as acting delusional and being severely sleep-deprived. His wife told responding officers that he had not slept in two months and was seeing things that "were not there" in photographs.
During that altercation, Hansen allegedly put his hands on his wife’s neck, pushing her against the wall and choking her briefly while their child was present. He is also accused of damaging interior property and forcibly taking her phone to prevent her from calling authorities.
Earlier Plea Deal Avoided Prior Conviction
Following the March 2024 incident, Hansen was arrested after initially fleeing the scene. He later entered a plea in abeyance, avoiding a formal conviction by agreeing to court-mandated conditions that included community service. Had he complied fully, the charges would not have led to a permanent record.
The revelation of his prior conduct has fueled scrutiny over whether more could have been done to prevent the latest violent episode. Authorities have indicated they are reviewing those past incidents as part of their ongoing assessment of potential risk factors.
As the case develops, law enforcement officials are working to determine if any weapons found at the scene were legally possessed, considering Hansen’s criminal history and his admitted alcohol use during the standoff.
Community Impact and Investigation Status
No bystanders were physically harmed during the gunfire exchange, but neighbors were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Emergency personnel remained on scene for several hours, securing the area and processing evidence. The home sustained damage from both gunfire and the fire that started during the incident. Authorities have not yet released details about the extent of the property damage or the cause of the fire inside the house.
Officials stress that while no one was physically injured, the psychological toll on residents and responding officers is significant. The St. George Police Department is offering resources and counseling to all first responders involved.
