SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 30, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City police are investigating a shooting that critically injured a 21-year-old man in the Poplar Grove neighborhood.
This investigation started at 5:20 p.m. on Friday when dispatch was alerted to a shooting near Indiana Avenue and Emery Street.
SLCPD officers arrived at the home, secured the firearm and other evidence, and provided the patient with emergency medical care.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, a 21-year-old man and his friend were outside manipulating a firearm,” the police statement says. “The 21-year-old suspect is accused of handling a firearm in a manner that created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to another.
“The suspect is accused of pulling the trigger, wounding his friend. The suspect told officers he did not intend to shoot his friend.”
Paramedics took the patient to the hospital in critical but stable condition. The injuries are not considered life-threatening. Officers secured the scene and the SLCPD’s Crime Lab Unit responded to collect, process, and analyze the evidence.
Officers booked the 21-year-old suspect into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of reckless endangerment and unlawful discharge of a firearm, the release says.
“Properly securing and handling firearms should always be a priority,” the news release says. “Safe storage and responsible handling practices can significantly minimize the chances of theft, unintentional death, injury, or damage caused by improper storage, use, or handling of firearms.”
Police shared the following firearm storage and handling safety tips:
- Use secure storage methods, such as keyed locks, combination locks, lockboxes, or firearm safes.
- Store keys or combinations in a location inaccessible to children or unauthorized users.
- Keep ammunition in a separate, securely locked container.
- Equip firearms with safety devices like trigger locks or cable locks for added protection.
- Community members can get free cable locks at the Public Safety Building, located at 475 South 300 East, Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., holidays excluded. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even when you believe it is not.
- Properly, safely, and intentionally clear your firearm. If someone else is present, communicate, verbally, to make sure they are aware of your actions and can help verify that the firearm has been properly cleared, if able.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Be aware of your target, what lies beyond it, and any potential hazards.
- Even with the firearm pointed down, a discharge can cause property damage, injury, or death. This is why it’s important to always know where the muzzle is pointed and what is near the muzzle.
