FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2025

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PolicePIO@slc.gov

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SLCPD Gang Unit Makes Two Arrests Following Street Race Shooting

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is highlighting the exceptional work of its Gang Unit following the arrests of two suspects involved in a recent shooting connected to illegal street racing.

This investigation began at 12:56 a.m. on April 12, 2025, when officers responded to reports of a possible shooting at a gas station located at 279 South 5600 West.

The investigation began with extremely limited information.

Despite having no immediate victim, suspect details, or motive, the SLCPD’s Gang Unit leveraged their institutional knowledge of known violent offenders to quickly develop possible leads.

Within 24 hours of the incident, detectives attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting near 3000 West 700 South.

The driver refused to stop. The Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau followed the vehicle from the air.

Detectives safely took 20-year-old Styve Baitia into custody on unrelated felony charges near 200 South Pueblo Street. According to jail records, Styve Baitia was released on bond on April 18, 2025.

Days after the pursuit, while working an off-duty assignment, a detective assigned to the SLCPD Gang Unit saw a car he recognized from the shooting investigation.

The detective conducted a traffic stop, recovered a firearm, and discovered evidence of damage consistent with the shooting.

The detective identified one of the car’s occupants as a victim of the initial incident.

This critical development gave detectives probable cause to arrest the suspects believed to be involved in the shooting.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, gang detectives served warrants associated with 18-year-old Yanik Baitia and Styve Baitia.

During the warrant execution, detectives seized ammunition, firearm accessories, and drugs.

Detectives booked Yanick and Styve Baitia into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail for felony discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault.

It is alleged the Baitia brothers are key members of an active and violent gang.

The investigation has also revealed a wanton disregard for public safety. Detectives believe the Baitia brothers pose a substantial danger to others and the community, as outlined in court documents.

It is also alleged the gang the Baitia brothers are involved in is connected to several shootings that have occurred in the Salt Lake Valley and Ogden, as alleged in court documents.

In just 11 days, detectives identified a shooting victim, located two suspects, and executed multiple search warrants in connection to this case that began with no known victim or leads.

No information about the shooting victim is being released. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

This outcome reflects the success of SLCPD’s investigative-based suppression model, which focuses on proactive enforcement, deep intelligence gathering, and high-accountability follow-through.

The SLCPD recognizes the leadership of its Gang Unit, to include its sergeant, and the Special Operations Division, whose guidance and support continue to drive mission-focused results that reduce violent crime and enhance public safety throughout Salt Lake City.

The SLCPD also recognizes the Utah Department of Public Safety and its Aero Bureau for their assistance on this case.

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 plays a key role in preventing gang-related crime and violence. This team of highly trained officers and detectives works closely with patrol and specialty units to gather intelligence, disrupt gang activity, and prevent gun violence through enforcement, education, and outreach. Their deep understanding of gang dynamics allows them to intervene effectively and build strong community partnerships that enhance safety and reduce gang presence 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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