Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police are continuing to investigate a shooting and fight at an apartment complex in the Glendale neighborhood that left one person dead and three others injured.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Mike Brown is also calling on the community to do its part to help curb the disturbing trend of gun violence.
"We have said it over and over, let's stop the gun violence," Brown said Tuesday.
About 7 p.m. Monday, police were called to the Seasons At Pebble Creek apartment complex, 1616 W. Snow Queen Place (1675 South), on a report of a shooting. One man who suffered multiple gunshot wounds was found inside one of the units and died at the scene. Police on Wednesday identified him as Anthony Wheatley, 19.
Several injured people also drove off after the shooting. Two of those victims, an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, were shot. The 19-year-old has since been released from a hospital. The other is in serious condition, according to police. A third man, 21, was also treated at a local hospital and was later released after being hit with a gun.
Police initially described the incident as a targeted robbery attempt, but later said it was not likely a home invasion. There were several people acquainted with each other inside the apartment and investigators believe a fight broke out that led to the shooting. The department did not know Tuesday how many guns were fired. As of Tuesday, no arrests had been made.
After the gunfire erupted, several injured people drove away from the apartment complex. Two of the victims drove a car to 1150 S. Redwood before waving down another vehicle and asking for a ride to the hospital, according to police.
A second car with a third injured person was found at 60 S. Redwood. Officers performed "life-saving efforts" on that victim before he was also transported to a local hospital, according to Salt Lake police.
Although the shooting is being called an isolated incident, Brown said it likely impacted the entire community.
"I am devastated for the families sitting down to dinner as the sounds of gunfire erupted. I can't imagine what it was like for parents of that apartment complex who had children outside playing in the courtyard when bullets began to fly," the chief said.
With gun violence and the debate over tighter gun buying restrictions currently being two of the hottest topics in the nation following a string of mass shootings starting with the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, Brown called on local members of the community to do their part.
"We need everyone in our community to help curb gun violence. If you know someone who is going to commit a gun crime, call 911. You could be the voice that prevents the next gun tragedy in our community. If you have information about a past gun crime, call 911," he said. "We're dealing with an epidemic in our country right now, one of gun violence and gun crime."
Brown said it was just last week he was at a national law enforcement conference to talk about gun violence when the police chief from Tulsa was called away to deal with a mass shooting in his city.
When asked Tuesday if he believes the age limit for buying any gun should be raised to 21, the chief was hesitant in his response, ultimately saying "yes," but then suggesting possible exceptions for those under 21 who buy with a parent.
He said the bottom line is the community needs "responsible gun owners" and the community needs to work together to decide who is allowed to buy guns. The chief said he believes the minimum age to buy assault weapons, however, should be raised.
Brown also reminded residents about the city's gun buyback program happening Saturday. The first 200 people to voluntarily turn in their guns will receive a gas gift card worth $100 for an assault rifle and $50 for every other type of gun. No questions will be asked about where the guns came from, the chief said.
