SALT LAKE CITY — A terrifying scene unfolded late Sunday along Interstate 80 near the Salt Lake City International Airport, as a shootout erupted between police and a gunman. Innocent people were stuck in traffic as bullets flew through the air.
Utah Valley University student Gannon Oviatte was in a car with two of his friends heading west on I-80 about 11 p.m. Suddenly, traffic came to a standstill — and then, gunfire.
"Oh my gosh, get down," Gannon's voice can be heard on video as bullets whiz past.
"You can hear the bullets whiz by us," Gannon said. "Being that close to an event like that is scary. It was pretty crazy. I obviously ducked down after the shots were fired."
According to Salt Lake police, a 44-year-old man was driving a white van and had earlier fired at a tow truck driver. When officers tried to stop him, he opened fire again.
"Our officers used a PIT maneuver ... to stop the vehicle as it continued eastbound," said Salt Lake police detective Michael Ruff.
In a video from the scene, the white van is seen surrounded by flashing lights and sirens. Then, more gunfire.
"This is unbelievable. Crazy," Gannon can be heard saying while driving away.
Despite the chaos, no people in cars or officers were injured. The suspect was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
"It is remarkable that none of our officers or community members were hurt during this dangerous incident," Police Chief Brian Redd said.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
