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- Jose Antonio Diaz, 18, was arrested for involvement in a Midvale gang shootout.
- Police found over 20 shell casings at the intersection where the shooting occurred.
MIDVALE — Another arrest has been made in connection with a shootout between rival gangs at a Midvale intersection.
Jose Antonio Diaz, 18, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Thursday for investigation of shooting at a vehicle, obstruction and possession of a weapon by a restricted person.
On Dec. 27, "a shooting was reported in Midvale, where two vehicles were reported to be shooting at each other," according to a police booking affidavit.
The shooting was in the area of 8250 S. Main where investigators say they found more than 20 spent shell casings. Unified police followed the vehicle into West Jordan where five documented gang members were arrested.
"When the vehicle was seized, the vehicle had bullet holes, appearing that it had also been shot at by the other involved party," the affidavit states.
Detectives later obtained video of the other vehicle that was shared on social media, according to the affidavit. That vehicle was linked to Diaz.
"Jose told other subjects through messages that he was involved in the shooting and (was) shot at. Evidence was also obtained that Diaz was in possession of a firearm and was actively trying to sell the firearm," the affidavit states.
A search warrant was served in West Jordan, and Diaz told police upon his arrest that the vehicle he was driving was hidden at a residence in Sandy, according to the affidavit.
In requesting that Diaz be held in the Salt Lake County Jail without the possibility of posting bail, police note in their affidavit, "This shooting occurred on a Friday evening in the middle of an intersection in Midvale, with no regard to the public around. There were over 20 casings collected on scene at the shooting and multiple vehicles involved."
Detectives say Diaz's gang has been "involved in numerous shootings over the past couple of years" and Diaz "was part of a shooting where two gangs were actively shooting at each other, and if he is to be let out, there is likely to be retaliatory shootings against the members of the rival gang that are not currently locked up."
