Suspected West Valley City gang melee ends with three shot

Two of three people shot during a suspected gang-related melee in a West Valley City park had been released from the hospital as of Thursday afternoon.

West Valley City police Sgt. Jason Hauer said one adult male and one teenage male were out of the hospital after treatment for gunshot wounds, while a second adult male remained hospitalized in serious condition.

A lone male shooting suspect remained at large.

Citing the ongoing nature of the investigation, which had WVCPD detectives combing the grounds and surrounding neighborhoods of the Parkway Park (2700 S. 3420 West) throughout Thursday, Hauer could not provide additional details — among them a description of the suspect.

However, Hauer did say that the 10:16 p.m. Wednesday incident appeared to have begun as a fist fight between two rival Latino gang members, each accompanied by at least two additional associates.

Apparently when one of the fighters began to get the upper-hand over the other, a friend of the loser pulled out a handgun and shot the three rival gang members.

Hauer would not say precisely where on their bodies the wounded parties were shot.

Investigators recovered numerous bullets and shell casings from the park on Thursday, and interviewed several witnesses. Bullets did strike a neighboring mobile home but did not penetrate the residence, Hauer said.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call WVCPD at 801-240-4000.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims