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SALT LAKE CITY — A 16-year-old boy was taken into police custody Wednesday in connection with a shooting that injured a teen in the West High School parking lot.
On Nov. 7, police started investigating an alleged shooting after a hospital reported a 15-year-old boy showed up with a gunshot wound. The teenager told hospital staff he had been shot by someone in the West High School parking lot earlier that day.
Investigators determined a group of teenagers gathered in the parking lot and, at some point during an argument, a firearm was discharged, and a bullet struck the 15-year-old. Everyone then fled the area, police said.
Police said the 16-year-old boy was booked into the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center for investigation of felony discharge of a firearm resulting in serious bodily injury and aggravated assault. His identity was not released.
"Our gang unit did an incredible job of aggressively and urgently pursuing this case," said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. "Today's arrest is an achievement resulting from our detectives' commitment to justice, their knowledge of our community, and the trust and reputation they've established in Salt Lake City and beyond."
Police said there may have been a "gang-nexus" to the incident in the parking lot. Detectives followed up on leads, reviewed video footage, conducted interviews and executed a search warrant leading to the arrest.
"This case became a critical focus for our gang unit despite there being little cooperation from those who witnessed this incident," Brown said. "Our detectives sacrificed time with their families on this case, often coming in on their days off, to move this investigation forward while still managing their existing caseloads. Their commitment to this case and their professionalism deserves recognition, and I am grateful for their work."
