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SALT LAKE CITY — A man who police say shot another man multiple times near the Exchange Place area of downtown Salt Lake City, even though the two men had not been arguing, is facing felony charges.
Jowil Charles, 31, of South Salt Lake, was charged Wednesday in 3rd District Court with nine counts of shooting in the direction of a person causing serious injury, eight first-degree felonies and a second-degree felony; and marijuana possession, a class B misdemeanor.
On Aug. 10, just before 2 a.m., Salt Lake City police responded to a report of shots fired near 320 S. State Street. According to charging documents, a group of men tried to enter Shades on State at 366 S. State, but "two members of the group were denied entry due to weapons being located" on them.
Not long after, a 30-year-old man — one of those denied entry into the club — pulled out a gun and fired about three rounds into the air, according to the charges. Charles then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the man. The 30-year-old man fell to the ground but continued to fire, the charges state. Witnesses allegedly said the two men "had not been arguing before the shooting." Police say the two men were acquainted with each other and are unsure why Charles allegedly shot the other.
The 30-year-old man was shot nine times and taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police have not released his name noting that he may face criminal charges. However, he is being watched at the hospital by law enforcement because he is wanted out of state on a felony warrant, according to police.
Prosecutors say Charles "started firing wildly having no concern for those individuals around him" and ended up shooting a bystander.
A 24-year-old woman was caught in the crossfire and shot in the calf, according to the charges. Police later examined the woman's head and "located a bullet fragment lodged in her braids." The woman was taken to a local hospital and was treated and released the same day.
Just before the shooting, police received reports of a fight at OnTop Lounge. After several weeks of investigation, police no longer believe the fight at that club is connected to the shooting.
Three other men have been arrested in connection to the events that night. One of those men was charged for allegedly being in a serious crash in Taylorsville later that night while police were looking for him.
