Heber City Police end four-hour standoff, arrest two in armed domestic violence incident

Heber City Police Vehicle. Photo: Heber City Police

HEBER CITY, Utah – Feb. 19, 2025 – A four-hour standoff in Heber City ended with the arrest of Billy Tiedemann and Jason Carlston after police responded to reports of domestic violence and gunfire late Tuesday night.

According to the Heber City Police Department (HCPD), officers were called to a residence near 200 W 300 S after neighbors reported hearing gunshots. Authorities say the incident began when Tiedemann, who had been drinking, assaulted his partner and two children after an argument about toothpaste. When the victim attempted to leave, Tiedemann allegedly fired multiple rounds in an act of intimidation.

Standoff and Arrests

Police attempted to contact Tiedemann, but he refused to cooperate. After failed attempts to detain him, SWAT teams were deployed, and officers used tear gas to force him from the home. Carlston, Tiedemann’s roommate, also refused to comply, interfered with police efforts, and allegedly made threats toward officers.

Both men were eventually taken into custody. Tiedemann, a convicted felon with five prior felony convictions, was found in possession of a .45 caliber handgun and additional ammunition while in jail. A lethality assessment determined his victim was at high risk due to the presence of a firearm.

Charges Filed

Tiedemann faces multiple charges, including felony assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors have requested that he be held without bail due to the severity of the incident and his criminal history.

Carlston, who actively resisted officers and remained inside the home, was also arrested and charged with interfering with a peace officer, drug possession, and disorderly conduct.

Multi-Agency Response

The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Summit County Sheriff’s Office. A DPS helicopter and drone units from Summit and Heber City assisted in securing the scene and locating the suspects.

HCPD commended the coordinated response that led to a safe resolution of the standoff and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring community safety.