Shooting incidents result in 3 injuries

Three people were injured and three people arrested following two shooting incidents in Salt Lake County early Sunday that may be connected.

Shortly after midnight South Salt Lake police were called to the parking lot of The Ritz Club, 2265 S. State, where an 18-year-old man was shot once in each leg.

That incident began when two rival gangs exchanged some words inside the club while playing pool, said South Salt Lake Police Sgt. Jack Carruth.

Gang members took their argument outside where a 22-year-old man allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired two to three shots, striking the other man, he said.

The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He was reportedly stable Sunday, Carruth said.

Gang detectives were called to the scene and through their informants able to track down the alleged shooter at his mother's house in West Valley City. The man was arrested without incident and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of attempted homicide and possession of a firearm by a restricted person. Because all of the charges will have gang enhancements Carruth said investigators would seek potential federal charges.

The second shooting incident happened about 12:46 a.m. Two cars were shooting at each other while traveling on 3100 South near 6500 West, said West Valley Police Sgt. John Rasmussen.

One car that had five people inside, had two of its occupants shot, he said. That car left the road and came to rest at a field near 5700 West and 3100 South.

One man was flown by medical helicopter to a local hospital and the other taken by ambulance. Both were in non-life-threatening condition Sunday evening, Rasmussen said.

As the suspect vehicle continued on 3100 South it happened to pass a police car near 4800 West. Following a short chase the suspect vehicle pulled over, and two brothers, aged 22 and 20, were arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of five counts of attempted homicide.

The brothers are known gang members, Rasmussen said.

Investigators were still trying to determine Sunday evening whether the two incidents were related.

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