2 arrested after shooting in Salt Lake that left man critically injured

Police arrested two men Monday in connection to a shooting in Salt Lake City the previous day that critically injured a 20-year-old man.

Police arrested two men Monday in connection to a shooting in Salt Lake City the previous day that critically injured a 20-year-old man. (Salt Lake police)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Police arrested two men Monday in connection with a shooting in Salt Lake City the previous day that critically injured a 20-year-old man.

Detectives arrested Ryan Lua, 47, and Christopher Taliu, 25, for investigation of aggravated assault and felony discharge of a firearm.

The arrests came after police say they chased multiple leads and obtained search warrants.

"We now have a much clearer picture of what quickly unfolded early Sunday morning in the Ballpark neighborhood because of the unrelenting work of our patrol officers, detectives and crime lab technicians," Salt Lake Police Chief Mike Brown said in a statement, adding that staff members gave up time during the holiday weekend to "pursue justice in this case."

Police received multiple calls regarding a shooting near 1485 S. Major Street in the Ballpark neighborhood shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. When police responded, they located a man hiding behind a car with gunshot wounds and began first aid.

Paramedics transported the man to the hospital in critical condition where he underwent surgery. Police say on Monday the injured man was "no longer in the hospital," but they did not give any other details about his condition.

They added that they learned the man was shot near a music venue during a large party. Both Lua and Taliu worked as bouncers for the venue, police said, and surveillance video showed a fight taking place at the entrance of the venue involving the man and another person who is "associated" with the venue.

"Video shows both Lua and Taliu shooting multiple rounds in the direction of the victim and his car, which had people inside," police said on Monday.

Investigators say Taliu also charged at the victim's car and continued to "shoot multiple rounds at close range at the people inside." The man who was shot was also "seen on video shooting back toward Lua and others."

"After the shooting both Lua and Taliu are seen on video getting into separate vehicles and leaving the area," police said in the statement.

Police say they executed a search warrant at a home in West Jordan, where they found multiple firearms and ammunition.

"What happened early this morning is not reflective of the Ballpark neighborhood or the people living there," Brown in a previous news release on Sunday. "The people in this neighborhood deserve to feel safe. No one in our community should ever have to explain to their child that the loud popping sounds they woke up to were the sounds of gunfire."

Brown later reiterated the department's focus on the neighborhood and ensured its residents that they deserved to be safe in their homes during a press conference. He said the department's Liberty bike squad is spending the majority of its time in the neighborhood to prevent and address crime in the area.

The department also has a community liaison officer who works with local residents and business owners and increased patrols in the neighborhood, Brown said.

"I want to reassure those living, working, visiting the Ballpark neighborhood that this remains a safe and welcoming place," Brown said. "We will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our communities here in Salt Lake City and the Ballpark community."

Police also announced Monday they found a white 2009 Audi with Utah license plate 5U4UT connected to the incident. Anyone with information about the shooting is still asked to call 801-799-3000 or 911 and reference case number 22-124993.

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Ashley Fredde covers human services and and women's issues for KSL.com. She also enjoys reporting on arts, culture and entertainment news. She's a graduate of the University of Arizona.
Ashley Imlay is an evening news manager for KSL.com. A lifelong Utahn, Ashley has also worked as a reporter for the Deseret News and is a graduate of Dixie State University.

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