PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

January 22, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Gang Unit Witnesses Drive-By Shooting, 3 Suspects Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY — Overnight, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit safely arrested three teenagers after witnessing a drive-by shooting.

“Because of their actions, these teenagers put our officers, community and themselves in significant danger,” said Chief Mike Brown. “It is both tragic and alarming to see this level of conflict resolution unfold in our community. Salt Lake City is not immune to the gun violence plaguing our country, but our officers are doing everything they can to safely short-circuit that violence and to hold people accountable.”

This investigation started at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday January 21, 2023, when officers and detectives assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit saw a drive by shooting occur near 500 North Pamela Way.

The officers saw a green Nissan Maxima come into the neighborhood and saw multiple rounds being fired. Officers performed a traffic stop using their lights and sirens but the driver of the Nissan took off and refused to stop. Because officers had just witnessed a shooting, they pursued the Nissan, which traveled through the neighborhood.

The drive-by shooting did not injure anyone.

The driver of the Nissan crashed into a car near 900 North Sir Michael Drive. Officers moved in and took all four people from the Nissan safely into custody.

Paramedics took the front seat passenger, a 14-year-old female, to the hospital after she revealed she is pregnant. Her involvement and whether any criminal charges will be filed remains under investigation.

During the arrest of a 16-year-old male, officers found a stolen handgun in his possession. Officers took this teen to the Salt Lake Valley Juvenile Detention Center and charged him with Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

Officers found a second handgun inside the Nissan.

Officers took a second 16-year-old male to the Salt Lake Valley Juvenile Detention Center and charged him with Fleeing, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and other charges.

Officers released a 15-year-old male to his guardians, but criminal charges will be screened for Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit is responsible for investigating gang-related crimes that occur within the city’s jurisdiction. The unit consists of highly trained uniformed officers and detectives who work collaboratively with patrol divisions and other specialty squads within the SLCPD to gather information and focus on preventing gang and gun violence through education, prevention and enforcement.

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

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

Two photos from the scene are being released. Media may use these photos with proper credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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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