- A man was injured in Lehi by a stray bullet on Saturday, police say.
- X-rays revealed a small-caliber bullet lodged in his back after hospital visit.
- Lehi police urge witnesses to report information as the investigation continues.
SALT LAKE CITY — A man was injured on Saturday after being hit in the back by a bullet suspected of being shot into the air in Lehi
At first, the bullet wound was thought to have been caused by a BB or airsoft pellet at 9:08 p.m., according to Lehi spokesperson Jeanteil Livingston.
But then, Livingston said the man chose to go to a hospital after being seen by emergency medical personnel and Lehi police. He was taken not by ambulance but by a private vehicle, she said.
"Hospital X-rays later revealed a small-caliber bullet lodged in the man's back," Livingston said. "Based on the trajectory of the bullet, investigators believe it was likely the result of a stray round fired into the air."
Livingston said the man was in fair condition while being treated.
The incident, which took place in the area of Thanksgiving Way, was still under investigation on Monday as police continued their search for the person responsible. No credible threats were identified in the area when the man was shot, Livingston said.
Anyone who may have witnessed someone shooting a gun into the air in the area of North Thanksgiving Way or who has information about the shooting is asked to contact the Lehi Police Department at 385-201-1005.
"This incident serves as an important reminder that bullets fired into the air must return to the ground and can cause serious injury or death," Livingston said. "Celebratory or reckless gunfire is dangerous and illegal, and the Lehi Police Department urges the public to handle firearms responsibly."
