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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police are investigating yet another incident of an illegal street racing event that ended in violence.
Police received numerous 911 calls about 11:40 p.m. on Sept. 25 regarding "a large altercation had occurred and that weapons were being fired at a location where hundreds of vehicles were reportedly street racing," according to a search warrant affidavit filed in 3rd District Court.
Officers respond to the area of 3455 W. Ninigret Drive (1580 South) where "numerous rifle casings and 40 caliber spent shell casings were found. One of the buildings at this location was also struck several times by bullets," the warrant states.
According to witnesses, a Chevy truck drove onto a grassy area where spectators were watching street racing, and a man got out with a weapon that looked like an AK-47 and "fired numerous rounds from the rifle," according to the affidavit.
A second vehicle then pulled up alongside the first truck and someone started shooting from a handgun.
Police spotted one of the vehicles near state Route 201 and the Bangerter Highway and pulled it over near 2675 S. 8700 West. A warrant was obtained for the vehicle where investigators seized an AK-47, a Glock 40 handgun, two rifle magazines and an extended Glock magazine, the warrant states.
While that stop was being made, West Valley police stopped another vehicle with several bullet holes. Inside, they found a man who had been shot.
"The male was found to have sustained a gunshot wound to his buttock. He stated to police that he was sitting in his vehicle watching the street races when he suddenly heard gunshots. The male stated that he then felt a sharp pain in his rear," the warrant states. He was treated at a hospital.
No criminal charges have been filed in the case as of Tuesday.
Salt Lake police say illegal street racing has become a big problem in 2020, particularly in the western Glendale area.
In May, a 19-year-old woman was shot in the leg while watching street racing in the same location. In August, a 15-year-old boy was shot during racing at 3150 W. 900 South. That shooting happened just a week after two people sustained injuries after being shot on Aug. 2, once again during an illegal street racing event near 3455 W. Ninigret Drive.
