Bluffdale man staged burglary and arson, police say

BLUFFDALE — A man who told police he hit a burglar on the head with a shovel, then his home caught fire the next day has admitted to staging both crimes, police said Monday.

Reed Anderson, 20, of Bluffdale told investigators that an intruder entered his home Nov. 9 around noon. He told police at that time that he hit the intruder with a shovel and the man fled. The following day, Andersen called 911 to report that an arsonist had set his house on fire.

"Both incidents were an apparent attempt by Mr. Anderson to thwart investigators from discovering the fact that they were actually staged events with no suspects at large," said Bluffdale Police Cpl. Aaron Rosen.

After an investigation by police, Anderson's family asked that officers inform the public that "Mr. Anderson has reportedly suffered from a series of pre-existing medical conditions," and his family is "currently seeking additional treatment for him."

Rosen said Anderson "aided in the resolution of these cases … of his own accord."

The case is now being reviewed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office for consideration of possible criminal charges.

— Molly Farmer