MIDVALE, Utah, Jan. 18, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A 35-year-old woman remains in serious condition after being shot in the side at an apartment complex in Midvale, following an altercation over an escort solicitation, according to Unified Police Department.
UPD Lt. Brian Lohrke said the shooting occurred just after 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Springs of Country Woods Apartments, 6945 S. Well Wood Road (1050 East).
The suspect has been identified as 53-year- old Michael Workman of Greenville, South Carolina, Lohrke updated in a news release Wednesday.
When officers arrived at the apartment in question, the news release said, the victim was immediately treated by Unified Fire Authority personnel and transported to a local hospital. She has since been in surgery and remains in serious condition.
Lohrke updated in the news release that UPD officers and detectives were dispatched after a witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing a man, later identified as Workman, run to a semi-truck with “Swift” printed on the door. The truck was also reported to not have a trailer attached to the rig.
Detectives have determined Workman contacted the victim through an escort ad on Backpage.com. This page is known to police as a common advertisement webpage for escort solicitation. Workman met the victim at the apartment in Midvale where an agreement for sex was agreed upon. During the exchange of services, an argument ensued where Workman demanded his money back. When the victim refused, Workman produced a firearm and a physical encounter began with Workman, the victim, and victim’s boyfriend. In the process, multiple shots were fired, with one striking the victim, and one striking Workman’s finger. Workman then pistol-whipped the victim’s boyfriend and fled the apartment.
Officers immediately responded to the apartments within three minutes and also attempted to find the semi-truck as the suspect fled. The semi was located traveling on 7200 S. 900 East, and a traffic stop was conducted by UPD officers and detectives. Workman, who was driving the semi-truck, was compliant with the officers commands and did not try to flee or fight. He was taken into custody and a firearm was located inside the truck.
It was also discovered that Workman had a laceration to one of his fingers, which was later determined to be a gunshot wound.
Three other occupants were inside the apartment at the time of the shooting. They include two adult men and a five-month-old infant. A search warrant was granted for the apartment which allowed UPD Detectives and forensic investigators to process the scene of the shooting.
Workman was treated and released from the hospital on Tuesday night. He has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on felony counts of aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, felony discharge of a firearm, and sex solicitation (misdemeanor). The investigation of other involved persons and crimes are still pending.
