Man shot in crowded Liberty Park during fireworks show


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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police described it as a "chaotic" scene after a man was shot in a crowded Liberty Park during Monday night's Pioneer Day fireworks show.

A 26-year-old man who was standing near 1300 South and 600 East watching fireworks was shot in the leg, said Salt Lake police detective Greg Wilking.

Wilking did not know Tuesday whether the man was an innocent bystander or involved in the ruckus that led up to the shooting. His injuries were not considered to be life-threatening, he said.

The shooting started as an argument between groups, according to witnesses. Many people fled from the scene after the shot — or possibly multiple shots — were fired.

Wilking said Tuesday no arrests had been made and the weapon that was fired had not been located.

At least one person climbed the fence at the nearby Tracy Aviary after the shooting. He was located by detectives and questioned, Wilking said.

The shooting capped off a violent holiday weekend in Salt Lake City. Some of the cases officers investigated include:

  • A 19-year-old man was found shot in the abdomen about 6:20 p.m. Friday at 1370 W. 1000 North. The man was able to speak to officers before being transported to a local hospital. Details surrounding the shooting were not immediately released, but investigators say the shooter is known to police.
  • About 11:15 p.m. Friday, a 19-year-old man attending a concert at the Complex, 536 W. 100 South, got into a fight with several others, according to police. The man left the venue and was driving away when he was struck by another car near 790 South and 900 West. The occupants of the vehicle threw a beer bottle at the victim before firing two to three rounds at the man, striking him in the jaw, police said. Detectives continued to look for the suspects Tuesday.
  • Just after 8 p.m. Saturday, a man was arrested for allegedly shooting his brother in the neck and back following an undisclosed dispute. Joseph Tafoya, 36, was arrested after being pulled out of the Jordan River by a police K-9.

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Pat Reavy

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