From Deseret News archives:
Utah gangster sought in North Carolina shooting
Phonsavanh Thammavongsa, 25, has warrants out for his arrest for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution by the U.S. Marshals Office and for attempted homicide out of Mount Holly, N.C.
Law enforcers now believe Thammavongsa has returned to Utah. He was also named this week as Public Enemy No. 1 by the Salt Lake Area Gang Project.
On April 10, a K-9 officer from the Mount Holly, N.C., Police Department was allegedly shot by three men after they refused to let the officer search their car, according to media reports. The men led the officer on a chase that ended in a shootout with the officer.
The officer was shot twice. One of the shots hit him in the chest. He survived with minor injuries, however, thanks to his bulletproof vest.
Two suspects were captured, including the alleged triggerman. Police in North Carolina have named Thammavongsa as the third suspect.
The trail to catch Thammavongsa led investigators to Rockford, Ill., a week later where a house he was believed to be staying at was searched but no one was found.
Now, officials believe Thammavongsa has returned to Utah, where he is no stranger to trouble.
A stolen vehicle Thammavongsa is believed to have fled in after the shooting incident in North Carolina was recently recovered in Salt Lake County, said West Jordan police Capt. Gary Cox.
On Nov. 18, 1995, Phokham Keomanivong, 25, allegedly shot and killed 17-year-old Nicholas Dirkson outside a KFC restaurant, 285 W. 7200 South. Keomanivong was with several other gang members who all fled after the shooting. Investigators believe Thammavongsa was the getaway driver in that incident.
Keomanivong had stayed on the run ever since the incident and police believe the constant stress and fear of being caught finally got to him. Keomanivong committed suicide in Nevada in March.
Nearly three years after the KFC killing, Keomanivong's brother, Steven Keomanivong, was involved in another high-profile homicide.
Keomanivong killed 6-year-old Bethany Hyde in an unprovoked drive-by shooting near 2700 West and 3500 South. He was arrested in Oregon three months later and is currently at the Utah State Prison serving a sentence that could bring him up to 35 years in prison.
Thammavongsa is 5 feet 9 inches and 220 pounds. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous and may be carrying a shotgun, a Mach 10 and a silver pistol of unknown caliber, according to the gang unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Salt Lake Area Gang Project at 743-7000. All callers can remain anonymous. Those with information leading to the arrest and conviction of Thammavongsa could be eligible for a cash reward.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
Comments
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93 - Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
90
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...



You can be the first to comment on this story.