WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Sept. 23, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A quinceanera in West Valley City took a less-than-festive turn Friday night when some unwanted guests showed up, an altercation ensued, and multiple shots were fired.
The party was being held at 2200 W. Alexander St. (2420 South), where the group had rented part of the building, WVCPD Sgt. Robert Brinton told Gephardt Daily.
Brinton said more than 50 people, adults and teens, were in attendance when a couple of uninvited juveniles arrived and went inside.
Some of the other teens at the party took exception to the new arrivals, and it was decided to “settle up” outside. Brinton said the dispute was taken about a block down the street.
As the teens were squaring off, Brinton said, a “lighter-colored passenger vehicle” pulled up and someone in the vehicle started shooting.
“A male juvenile was shot twice in the leg,” and was taken to the hospital after police arrived, Brinton said. The victim was reportedly 15 or 16 years old, but Brinton had no information regarding his condition.
“Yes, it was gang-related,” Brinton said without being asked. He described the incident as an extension of what’s been going on recently in the area.
He said witnesses were talking to the Metro Gang Unit, and all of the involved parties are younger than 18. Although the individuals in the vehicle weren’t seen, Brinton said, everyone involved is probably male.
The investigation will continue as police work to track down the vehicle and the shooter or shooters.
