According to a recent announcement from the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit, a 16-year-old male suspect is currently in custody after a shooting incident at West High School’s parking lot that left a 15-year-old male injured. Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown explained that the quick arrest demonstrates the department’s commitment to combating gang-related violence and praised his team for their aggressive pursuit of justice and their in-depth knowledge of the community they serve.
As reported by SLCPD, Chief Brown said, “Our Gang Unit did an incredible job of aggressively and urgently pursuing this case,” highlighting the detectives’ dedication, which included giving up their time, and the trust they have built in Salt Lake City. The incident occurred on the afternoon of November 7th when a group of teenagers who seemed to be involved in an ongoing conflict gathered in the parking lot of West High School, only for it to erupt in gunfire, leaving one teen injured.
According to SLCPD, the investigation started when a local hospital informed authorities that a teenager had arrived with a gunshot wound. After surgery, the victim gave information that brought SLCPD patrol officers and School Resource Officers (SROs) to the scene, where they asked SLCPD Gang Unit detectives for help because of the incident’s possible gang connection.
SLCPD detectives conducted a thorough investigation that involved watching video, speaking with witnesses, and carrying out a search warrant. They pieced together the events of the day, which began at noon when a firearm was discharged, injuring a 15-year-old. Although multiple witnesses were present, no calls were made to law enforcement or school officials to report the incident right away, and a family member eventually took the injured teen to the hospital for treatment.
After being transported to the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center, the juvenile suspect is now charged with felony discharge of a firearm resulting in serious bodily injury and aggravated assault. The SLCPD explains that these charges are only accusations and that the teen is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, a position that upholds the integrity of the legal system while protecting the accused’s rights.
SLCPD also highlighted the importance of its Gang Unit in the city’s fight against gang-related crimes. A group of knowledgeable officers and detectives work together across divisions and squads to collect intelligence and stop violence through a variety of tactics, such as education, enforcement, and prevention. Their understanding of gang culture helps to disrupt criminal operations and advance community safety.
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