Update: SLCPD says Pierpont Ave. victim critically injured was man, 34

Salt Lake City police officers respond to reports of an aggravated assault and possible shots fired call in downtown Salt Lake City early Sunday morning, July 10, 2022. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Patrick Benedict

Editor’s note: The Salt Lake City Police Department has corrected an earlier news release, and now says the victim was a male. This story has been updated to reflect that statement.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 10, 2022 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake City Police officials now say the victim critically injured early Sunday on Pierpont Avenue, near a bar, was a 34-year-old man who was punched.

Police responded to the scene of a reported assault in progress at about 1:15 a.m. Upon arrival at 149 W. Pierpont Ave., “they found a chaotic scene with more than 100 people on the streets, with more exiting the nearby entertainment venues. Officers identified a large fight and attempted to disperse the crowds.”

A SLCPD spokesman originally told Gephardt Daily, at the scene, the victim was a man.

“Officers received assistance from a private security company and Salt Lake County sheriff deputies,” the police statement says. “Due to the size and volatility of the crowds, SLCPD requested additional patrol officers respond.

“At 2 a.m., officers on scene heard multiple shots being fired in the area. Officers immediately began searching for the shooter and to check for any gunshot victims.”

Salt Lake City police officers respond to reports of an aggravated assault and possible shots fired call in downtown Salt Lake City early Sunday morning June 10 2022 Photo Gephardt DailyPatrick Benedict

It was during that search that officers located the man, “on the ground suffering from critical injuries. Officers began immediate life-saving efforts.”

Medical first responders could not immediately determine the cause of the man’s injuries while on scene, the statement says.

“Paramedics transported (him) to the hospital in critical condition with life-threatening injuries where (he) remains.

“Doctors have confirmed the (man) was not shot and was likely punched by an unknown person during the fight. No arrests have been made. Due to the severity of (his) injuries, the SLCPD Homicide Squad responded to the scene.”

Salt Lake City police officers respond to reports of an aggravated assault and possible shots fired call in downtown Salt Lake City early Sunday morning June 10 2022 Photo Gephardt DailyPatrick Benedict

Many witnesses left before police could get witness statements, the news release says.

The SLCPD is asking that anyone with information on this case, including people with photos or videos of the events leading up to, during and after to please call 801-799-3000 and reference case number 22-129894.

The statement says that for the past several weeks, the SLCPD has  staffed additional patrol shifts around Pierpont Avenue and West Temple as part of a proactive crime reduction approach.

 

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