Sheriff Praises Deputies for 50-Gun Seizure in Emery County

Authorities seized firearms and 3D-printed weapon parts from a home following a brief standoff.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a 3D-printed gun part, its metallic surface and intricate details starkly illuminated by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of this crime.A recent wave of 3D-printed firearms seized by law enforcement highlights the growing threat of untraceable, homemade weapons.Emery Today

Authorities in Emery County, Utah seized 50 firearms and several 3D-printed weapon parts from a home on Tuesday after a brief standoff with the resident, Thaddeus Dale Curtis. Curtis, a convicted felon, was booked into jail on charges including being a restricted person in possession of a weapon, interfering with police, failing to stop for police, and drug possession.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing the proliferation of firearms, including those produced through 3D printing technology, and the risks posed by individuals with criminal histories who attempt to illegally possess weapons.

The details

The incident began when Deputy Dalton Jeffs recognized Curtis, who had an active warrant, outside his residence. When Jeffs approached Curtis and informed him of the warrant, Curtis went inside to retrieve court paperwork, with Jeffs following. Curtis then made a phone call, told Jeffs he wasn't going to jail, and locked himself in a room. Additional deputies arrived and attempted to negotiate with Curtis, but eventually made a forced entry and took him into custody. During the incident, deputies noticed guns, ammunition, and controlled substances in plain view, leading to the execution of search warrants that resulted in the seizure of 48 firearms and other 3D-printed weapon parts.

  • On April 9, 2026, authorities seized the firearms and 3D-printed weapon parts from Thaddeus Dale Curtis' home in Emery County, Utah.
  • The incident began when Deputy Dalton Jeffs approached Curtis outside his residence on April 9, 2026.

The players

Thaddeus Dale Curtis

A 53-year-old Emery County resident who was booked into jail on charges including being a restricted person in possession of a weapon, interfering with police, failing to stop for police, and drug possession.

Deputy Dalton Jeffs

The Emery County Sheriff's Office deputy who initially approached Curtis and informed him of the active warrant.

Sheriff Tyson Huntington

The Emery County Sheriff who praised the deputies involved in the incident and the work of the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force and Emery County Drug Task Force.

Deputy Mike Vanwagoner

An Emery County Sheriff's Office deputy who assisted in the incident.

Sgt. Dallon Cologie

An Emery County Sheriff's Office sergeant who assisted in the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Once inside, Thad made a phone call but never presented any paperwork. Thad got off the phone, told Deputy Jeffs he was not going to go to jail, and then dashed into his room and locked the door.”

— Sheriff Tyson Huntington

“Thaddeus made a phone call to his mother and talked to her about the court date and warrant. His mother had told him to do what we asked and he hung up the phone and said he was 'not going back up to the jail.'”

— Sheriff Tyson Huntington

“Deputy Jeffs had also told Thad about the warrant and informed him that he was taking him to jail. Deputy Jeffs did not have to allow Thad to go into the home, but was giving Thad a chance to show him paperwork that could have possibly made a difference.”

— Sheriff Tyson Huntington

“I sincerely thank the ECSO deputies for a job well done, as well as agents from the Carbon Metro Drug Task Force and Emery County Drug Task Force. Great work.”

— Sheriff Tyson Huntington

What’s next

The judge will decide on Thaddeus Dale Curtis' bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing the proliferation of firearms, including those produced through 3D printing technology, and the risks posed by individuals with criminal histories who attempt to illegally possess weapons.