PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

September 4, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Gang Unit Arrests State Street Shooting Suspect, Investigation Continuing

SALT LAKE CITY — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit have safely arrested 31-year-old Jowil Charles for his alleged involvement in a downtown shooting.

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, detectives located Charles near 4900 South State Street and safely took him into custody.

Detectives booked Charles into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges that include felony discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

As part of the investigation, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s SWAT Team, with help from gang detectives and officers assigned to the Pioneer Patrol Division’s Bike Squad, executed a court-authorized search warrant.

This investigation started around 12:55 a.m. on August 10, 2024, when officers, while on an unrelated call, heard multiple gunshots being fired to the south of their location. The officers were initially investigating a fight near 320 South State Street.

After hearing the gunshots, the officers immediately ran to the south and encountered several people running toward them.

Officers determined the shooting happened near State Street and Exchange Place.

During the investigation, officers found two patients with gunshot wounds: a 30-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman.

According to court documents, Charles showed no concern for the safety of others when he fired multiple rounds at the 30-year-old man and into a crowd of people.

Anyone with information on this case, including those with photos or video, is asked to call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip using the CityProtect App and reference case number 24-182377.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, and no additional details are available for release.

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.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit is essential in combating gang-related crimes. The unit of skilled and highly trained officers and detectives collaborates with patrol divisions and other specialty squads to gather intelligence and prevent gang and gun violence through education, prevention, and enforcement. The unit’s understanding of gang culture allows them to disrupt operations and prevent violence effectively. By working proactively and with various partners, the Gang Unit enhances public safety, fosters community trust, and reduces gang activity in the city.

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