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SOUTH SALT LAKE — A 20-year-old man was arrested early Friday in connection with the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy in South Salt Lake two weeks ago.
Joshua Jaeshawn Park was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder and discharge of a firearm in connection with the death of Alan Hernandez Lopez.
Police believe the fatal confrontation was the result of two people who had no prior association with each other, flashing rival gang signs.
On Feb. 13, Lopez was walking home from school near 300 East and 3100 South about 4 p.m. when Park drove by.
"Gangs signs and calls were exchanged between Alan and Joshua. Joshua responded by turning his vehicle around, pulling next to Alan, then shot Alan in the head," according to a Salt Lake County Jail booking report.
South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller said investigators do not believe the two had any interaction with each other prior to the deadly confrontation.
South Salt Lake police were guarded about the information they released on Friday. They said a search warrant was served on Park's residence on Thursday, but declined to say what led them to that residence. Park was arrested after being interviewed by detectives.
"Joshua stated he got rid of the gun after the shooting," the report states.
According to a GoFundMe page created after his death, Lopez is survived by his mother, two younger sisters and an older brother.
Park's criminal history as an adult includes misdemeanor drug convictions and driving on a suspended license, according to court records.
