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SLCPD Gang Detectives Arrest 16-Year-Old Male Accused of Discharging Firearm at West High School

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit safely arrested a 16-year-old male who is accused of discharging a firearm in the parking lot of West High School, wounding a 15-year-old male.

“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.”

“This case became a critical focus for our Gang Unit despite there being little cooperation from those who witnessed this incident,” Chief Brown added. “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.”

Detectives booked the 16-year-old male into the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of felony discharge of a firearm resulting in serious bodily injury and aggravated assault.

This investigation started at 2:02 p.m. on November 7, 2024, when SLC911 received a call from a local hospital reporting a teenage male showed up with what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

While at the hospital, the patient told hospital staff someone shot him at West High School.

SLCPD School Resource Officers (SROs) and patrol officers responded to the hospital to gather more information about the circumstances.

During their investigation, SLCPD SROs learned there may have been a gang-nexus to the incident and requested assistance from the SLCPD Gang Unit.

SLCPD gang detectives responded to the hospital and West High School to continue the investigation by speaking with the patient, reviewing video, and searching the parking lots of West High School for any potential evidence.

After surgery, doctors confirmed the injury to the 15-year-old was consistent with a gunshot wound.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe around 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, a group of teenagers gathered in a parking lot on high school property. Many of the teenagers appeared to know each other and appeared to be involved in an ongoing conflict.

At some point, someone discharged a firearm, and a bullet struck the 15-year-old.

Immediately after, everyone left the parking lot in various directions, including the 15-year-old.

A family member of the 15-year-old drove him to the hospital after he returned home injured.

Despite there being several witnesses, no one reported the incident to SLC911, SLCPD SROs, or school officials.

SLCPD detectives have aggressively pursued this case by following up on leads, conducting interviews, reviewing video footage, and executing a search warrant.

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.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

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