PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

October 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Update: SLCPD Detectives Arrest Man Involved in Aggravated Burglary, DV Investigation

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit have booked 31-year-old Vaioleti Mafi into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on numerous felony charges following a SWAT call-out over the weekend.

After his arrest, detectives booked Mafi into jail on charges that include Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Felony Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Restricted Person, Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child and misdemeanor Possession or Use of a Controlled Substance.

Since his arrest, detectives have learned Mafi broke into a family member’s apartment, got into a fight with at least one person and then fired a gun into the unit before running away to a nearby apartment unit.

This investigation started at 3:24 a.m. on Saturday October 15, 2022, when SLC911 took a call from someone who reported hearing at least one gunshot being fired.

SLCPD police officers quickly responded, set-up a perimeter and started checking the area.

Officers learned of Mafi’s location and started giving multiple commands for him and anyone else inside to safely exit the apartment. The SLCPD SWAT Team responded.

At approximately 4 a.m., Mafi came out and surrendered. Officers took him into custody and had Mafi treated by the Salt Lake City Fire Department and Gold Cross for injuries he got during the initial fight.

Officers learned Mafi and the victim are related to each other.

Initially, officers thought there was at least one other person inside. Detectives have confirmed, there was no other suspect involved in this incident.

No further information on this case is being released. Neither the PIO nor the On-Duty Watch Commander are available for interviews.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

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