Three arrested in shooting of West Valley teen

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide and kidnapping, among other charges, in the shooting of a 16-year-old boy who was found Wednesday lying on the sidewalk in West Valley City.

West Valley Police said the three suspects — Brandon Carl Montoya, 28; Robert Salvador Apodaca, 22; and Gilbert Vigil, 19 — had planned to shoot the victim and rob him of illegal drugs.

They met with the victim inside a Chevrolet Malibu in the area of 6700 West and 3800 South, where they allegedly tried unsuccessfully to rob the 16-year-old. One of the men pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots at the boy, hitting him in the abdomen and legs.

Police say the vehicle then pulled to the side of the road at 7135 W. 3500 South, where one suspect pulled the wounded victim out of the car. The car drove off with the other two suspects still inside.

Police began investigating the shooting after someone found the victim lying on the sidewalk with multiple wounds. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Police said Thursday he has been upgraded to serious condition. The victim's name was not released.

West Valley detectives were able to find the handgun and car tied to the shooting. Police are not looking for any other suspects.

Montoya, Apodaca and Vigil were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted homicide, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and obstruction of justice.