WEST JORDAN, Utah, May 10, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — A 19-year-old man found shot and critically wounded when West Jordan police responded to a multi-vehicle crash has died.
The man, whose name has not been released, was found in a vehicle with bullet holes in the window.
West Jordan Deputy Chief of Police Jeremy Robertson said at the scene that officers were notified at 9:44 p.m. Sunday of a traffic accident with injuries at 7800 S. Redwood. He said three or four vehicles were involved in the crash.
“One of the drivers had gunshot wounds,” Robertson said.
Police found shell casings in the area and bullet holes in the victim’s vehicle. It was not immediately known how many times the driver had been shot.
The wounded driver was transported to the hospital in very serious condition.
Witnesses told West Jordan police investigators two vehicles were racing or chasing each other when shots were fired from a low-profile Chrysler 300, dark gray or silver in color, with tinted windows.
The investigation was in the very early stages Sunday night, and Robertson said officials were looking into a case of aggravated assault or a possible homicide.
“We’re still investigating details, interviewing witnesses, trying to figure out a motive,” he said Sunday night.
The crime scene covered a large area — perhaps a quarter-mile — and Robertson explained that in the initial stages of the investigation, officials want to obtain as much evidence as possible. He said they would gradually narrow the scope as evidence is found.
Shell casings could be seen a couple of blocks south of the crash site on the northwest corner of Redwood Road and 7800 South.
The shooter fled the scene and no one was in custody as of early Monday morning. The scene was cleared hours later, and normal traffic access was restored.
Robertson said more information will be released as the police gather more details and have a description of the suspect.
Police are asking anyone with information that might be helpful to investigators to call 801-840-4000.
Gephardt Daily will update the story as more details become available.
