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SLCPD Chief Mike Brown Discusses Weekend Violent Crimes

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown held a press conference to address this weekend’s recent gun violence in downtown.

The four incidents include:

• June 3, 2023 – A non-injury shooting near 60 West Market Street.
• June 4, 2023 – A deadly shooting near 60 West Market Street.
• June 4, 2023 – A shots fired incident near 60 West Market Street.
• June 5, 2023 – A shooting near 300 South Main Street that resulted in a non-life-threatening injury.

“The gun violence we saw in a small section of downtown this weekend is not acceptable nor does it represent or define our city,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “The solution to reducing the violence that’s happening near 60 West Market Street, and in the nearby parking lots, is a collaborative effort that involves not only our police department but many other city departments, prosecutors, and state agencies.”

To view or download a copy of the press conference, please click here.

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, at approximately 3:30 a.m., officers assigned to the SLCPD’s Central Division Bike Squad were proactively patrolling a parking lot near 60 West Market Street. The officers heard a volley of gunshots. Several of the rounds flew over the officers. At least one of the rounds hit a sign above the officers.

“The reckless disregard of someone who openly shoots in a crowded space not only endangers innocent lives, but it also poses an immediate threat to our police officers,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “I am proud of the bravery of our police officers who found themselves in a dangerous and chaotic situation.”

On Sunday, June 4, 2023, at approximately 4 a.m., SLC911 received multiple calls about a shooting at 60 West Market Street. The first SLCPD officer arrived within a minute of the 9-1-1 call and found the victim, a man, on the ground in a nearby parking lot. The victim, 22-year-old Halapaini Latu Moala, died on scene. Detectives with the SLCPD Homicide Squad have been working the case non-stop but are running into roadblocks. Detectives are getting little cooperation from people who witnessed the shooting.

Detectives believe there are people who know the identity of those involved in the shooting of Moala. The Salt Lake City Police Department will aggressively investigate cases of obstruction of justice or witness tampering. If you have information about this shooting or information about possible retaliation or witness intimidation, please call the city’s non-emergency number at 801-799-3000 or in an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Community members can also speak with SLCPD victim advocates or social workers by calling 801-799-3000 or 801-580-7969. People are also encouraged to speak with trusted members within the community, such as teachers or religious leaders, to share what information they have so it can be provided to law enforcement.

On Sunday, June 4, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers patrolling at 300 South Main Street heard gunshots. The officers checked the area and saw a car leaving a parking lot near 60 West Market Street. When the officers safely stopped the car, they found two spent shotgun shells and a shotgun inside the car. Some of the people inside the car were family members of the homicide victim. SLCPD detectives are working with prosecutors, including our federal partners, to determine the appropriate charges.

On Monday, June 5, 2023, around 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a shooting near 300 South Main Street. Officers found a 27-year-old man shot in the hand. Officers are looking for two suspects who left the area in a car after the shooting. At this time, there is no suspect description available.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department is doing everything we can to ensure the safety of those who live, work, and visit around 60 West Market Street and downtown,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown.

Based on available information, these shootings do not appear to be random incidents. The shooting on Saturday morning and the homicide on Sunday appear to stem from people leaving an after-hours event venue who then gather in the parking lot to the north of 60 West Market Street.

“While these are not random shootings, we certainly understand the fear they instill,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Our efforts to reduce and prevent crime in this area are never-ending and we take our responsibility very seriously. We look forward to addressing the problems holistically through multiple stakeholders and approaches.”

Among other strategies, the SLCPD is working to post no trespassing signs in the parking lot to mitigate crowds from unlawfully gathering.

Officers will also continue enhanced patrols throughout downtown.

Anyone with information on the homicide of 22-year-old Halapaini Latu Moala or any other felony case should call the non-emergency line at 801-799-3000 or in an emergency, call 9-1-1.

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