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KEARNS — An argument that started over a $40 marijuana deal led to a man being shot multiple times at a park in Kearns where he was celebrating his birthday with family, according to police.
Colby Neil Hawkins, 20, was arrested Tuesday for investigation of aggravated assault resulting in serious injury and firing a gun causing serious injury.
The incident happened Sunday at Oquirrh Park, 5624 S. Cougar Lane (4800 West) next to the Utah Olympic Oval, where police say more than 100 adults and children were present, including two large parties that were being held.
A man who was celebrating his birthday with family members walked with a friend to the park restrooms about 8:40 p.m. Outside the restroom, Hawkins and another man started talking with two other men. A witness told police the four men were initially joking with each other, when Hawkins "started getting upset and arguing," according to a police booking affidavit.
"The witness said the victim then exited the restroom and walked toward them with his arms raised asking what was going on and if there was a problem. The witness said the white male pulled out a gun and shot at the victim several times," the affidavit states.
The victim was shot in the face and chest. The witness, who is a friend of the victim, reacted by pulling out his gun and returning fire, according to police.
Hawkins and a second man ran off through the parking lot. Detectives called to the scene found a car still in the parking lot registered to Hawkins.
Hawkins was arrested at his home in West Valley City on Tuesday and was questioned about the shooting on Sunday.
"Colby said he was with a friend and they were meeting with a person at the park to give them $40 he owed them for marijuana. Colby said the male began making derogatory remarks so an argument ensued. Colby said there were several males there that he believed were about to assault him and that he thought he heard someone rack a bullet into the chamber of a gun. Colby said a large male came out of the bathrooms and started swinging on him," according to the affidavit.
Hawkins contends "he felt like he had to shoot to get out of the situation" and then ran off when the second man started shooting back at him, the affidavit alleges.
The man who shot back remained on scene when police arrived. He was not arrested.
