SLCPD arrests two brothers in connection to street race shooting

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Salt Lake City Police Department arrested two brothers in connection to a street race shooting that occurred earlier this month.

According to documents and statements given to ABC4.com, SLCPD responded to a shooting at 12:56 a.m. on April 12, where camera footage showed that a fight had broken out near a Maverik gas station near 279 South and 5600 West. According to SLCPD, shots had been fired in the air, and then out of a vehicle into a crowd of people.

The shooting was allegedly connected to illegal street racing that occurred in the area.

Styve Baitia, 20, and his brother, Yanik Baitia, 18, were allegedly identified as the suspects in the case. A day after the shooting on April 13, a high-speed chase occurred between Styve and SLCPD officers later identified his vehicle as the suspect vehicle in the shooting. After being chased on the street and in the air by a DPS helicopter, Styve was taken into custody around 200 South and Pueblo Street.

During the search of the vehicle, spent shell casings were allegedly found in the seats along with other gun magazines. Styve was booked on failure to respond to commands of law enforcement, and possession of marijuana. He was later released on bail on April 18.

A few days after the shooting, in an unrelated traffic stop, detectives recognized another vehicle that was involved in the incident. During the stop, they found damage to the vehicle that was consistent with shooting damage. Initial camera footage from the shooting had shown one vehicle being struck in the headlight, which this vehicle had been.

The officers identified an occupant of the vehicle as an alleged victim in the shooting, and with other evidence obtained by police, sought a search warrant for Styve, and his brother Yanik, who was allegedly identified as the suspect with Styve the night of the shooting.

Serving the warrants on April 24, police searched the Baitia brothers’ residence, allegedly finding more casings that matched those shot at the scene, firearm accessories, and drugs. Though details are limited, SLCPD alleges that the brothers are “key members of an active and violent gang.” They also allege that the Baitia brothers are connected to several other shootings that have occurred in Salt Lake and Ogden Valleys.

“The investigation has also revealed a wanton disregard for public safety,” SLCPD said in a statement. “Detectives believe the Baitia brothers pose a substantial danger to others and the community.”

The brothers have been booked into Salt Lake County Jail for felony discharge of firearms and aggravated assault, among other drug charges. Styve is scheduled for a first appearance for his initial charges on May 9. No dates have been set for Yanick at the time of this writing.