South Ogden man shot 2 neighbors as they walked out of their house, police say

SOUTH OGDEN — A man was arrested Friday and accused of shooting two of his neighbors in South Ogden late Thursday — allegedly because they simply walked outside.

James Joseph Rios, 45, was booked into the Weber County Jail for investigation of two counts of attempted murder.

The shootings prompted a mass response from police and firefighters. Two people in the neighborhood were shot prior to the arrival of South Ogden police who then "came under ambush fire," police said in a statement. "They were not physically harmed and immediately called for assistance."

An officer responded about 10 p.m.Thursday to "the area of 1372 E. 5800 South, following a report of multiple individuals being shot at or near the listed address," according to a police booking affidavit. "Upon arrival, the responding officer reported that additional gunshots were fired in the officer's direction. The officer observed a female running from the area, at which time several more shots were fired in her direction."

At least 35 police cars from various departments, along with numerous fire and paramedic trucks, converged at the scene. Two drones were deployed, a police dog was present, and law enforcement officials in full tactical gear walked around the scene.

"Upon the arrival of the SWAT team, an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and a SWAT officer. Two individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds," according to the affidavit.

Rios was taken into custody by the SWAT team.

Police say Rios fired "multiple rounds." The two shooting victims were transported to local hospitals and Rios "was eventually convinced to surrender and was taken into custody."

"James admitted to firing multiple rounds from inside his residence toward neighbors who lived across the street. The suspect stated he fired at the neighbors because the neighbor exited their residence after the suspect had warned them to remain inside. The suspect admitted he knew he had shot his neighbors, and watched the male neighbor fall to the ground, and then shot the wife, who was also outside," the affidavit states.

"The suspect further admitted to firing additional rounds from inside his residence after law enforcement officers arrived on scene," according to the arrest report.

Police say a rifle was recovered inside Rios' residence.

The police statement didn't detail what precipitated the shooting, identify the two victims, or describe the nature of their injuries. But the affidavit noted that Rios shot his neighbors "just because he believed they were aware of people coming and going into his house, and they failed (to) tell him."

The affidavit also alleges that Rios "claims that there are other people involved that he dislikes. (Rios) claims that there are other people involved with 'messing with his family' that he dislikes."

Family members told police that Rios "has been acting irrationally for a period of time, and they were also in fear for their (lives) when he was shooting from inside their house," the affidavit continues.

South Ogden police and the Weber County Attorney's Office Critical Incident Team are investigating. "Our hearts go out to those who were injured and impacted by this incident. We also cannot thank the members of this community enough for their support in helping to resolve this situation together," reads the statement.

The turn of events drew widespread social media attention, particularly of the many officers rushing to the scene from varied departments on Thursday night. Police cars were present from the Riverdale, Ogden, Layton and Roy police departments and Utah Highway Patrol vehicles were also present. Fire and paramedic trucks were on standby in the lot of an adjacent church meetinghouse.

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