MURRAY, Utah, May 16, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The suspects in an officer involved shooting in Murray over the weekend, one of whom is in critical condition after being shot by an agent from Adult Probation and Parole, have been identified.
The passenger of the vehicle, who was hospitalized, has been identified as Joe Alvin Gomez, 29, who was on parole for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, use of a controlled substance and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.
The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Alejandro R. Arellano, 28, who was on probation for purchase, transportation and possession or use of a firearm by a restricted person, according to the Utah Department of Corrections.
According to a prepared statement from the executive office of the Utah Department of Corrections, the Metro Gang Unit operation was in the area of 4500 South and Main Street when the incident occurred at 12:50 a.m. Saturday.
A car pulled up to an agent stopped at a traffic light, and Gomez allegedly exited the car, approached the agent’s window and initiated an aggressive confrontation, which eventually led to the agent firing shots at the suspect.
After being shot, Gomez got back into the vehicle and he and Arellano fled the scene. Arellano took Gomez to the hospital.
The Salt Lake County Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol was activated. One of the three Protocol Teams was called out, along with the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, and is conducting an Independent Investigation with the cooperation of the Utah Department of Correction’s Law Enforcement Bureau.
The agent’s name is not being released at this time. Per protocol, he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Gomez has been incarcerated four separate times since 2010 for probation violations, and parole violations which resulted in his parole being revoked. He was most recently paroled on April 4. Gomez was hospitalized in critical condition, where he remains.
Arellano’s probation started April 24 and he also had an active warrant for failing to report to court-ordered 180 days in jail. He was ordered to report to jail May 1 and did not. He was booked into custody Saturday on a $25,000 warrant.
