17-year-old remains in critical condition after gang-related shooting in Kearns, suspect in custody

KEARNS, Utah (ABC4) — Officials have released more information about a shooting in Kearns that left one person critically injured over the weekend, confirming that a suspect is in custody.

According to the Unified Police Department, the shooting victim was identified as a 17-year-old male, who was taken to a local hospital in critical condition after being found lying in a roadway. As of Monday, the victim was still in the hospital receiving critical care.

A suspect — also 17 years old — has been identified and taken into custody, but authorities have not released their name. UPD said both the suspect and the victim “are known to have possible gang affiliations,” and investigators determined the shooting was gang-related.

“Preliminary investigations believe the victim was driving in the area of Cougar Lane when they stopped in front of a residence,” Unified Police said Monday. “A verbal confrontation occurred between the victim and individuals at the residence. During the confrontation, the 17 year old suspect fired rounds at the victim.”

Officials responded to the scene just before 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, after receiving reports of a person lying in the roadway. Later on May 10, officials searched a residence that was said to be “connected to the incident” and recovered two handguns.

Detectives with UPD’s Violent Crimes unit worked with the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit and determined that the shooting was gang-related. The suspect was expected to be booked into a juvenile detention center on several charges, but the investigation is still active.

Anyone with details about the case has been asked to come forward. Those with information can submit anonymous tips to the Unified Police Department by calling 801-840-4000.