Man shot in genitals in drug deal gone bad

A man was shot in the genitals during a drug deal gone bad last month in Sandy, according to court documents.

Two victims met an acquaintance to discuss buying marijuana Aug. 3 in the parking lot of Smith's grocery store near 10300 S. 1300 East, police wrote in charges filed Monday. The victims got into the acquaintance's car, and the group traveled behind the store, where there were fewer people, police wrote.

One of the victims argued with a man in the backseat about the quality and quantity of the pot, police wrote. As they argued, two men approached the car, police wrote. One of the victims told police was struck in the head with what he believed were brass knuckles.

The other victim was shot two or three times, police wrote. A bullet travelled through his genitals and lodged in his upper thigh, police wrote. Doctors were unable to remove the bullet, police wrote.

A 20-year-old Saratoga Springs man was charged with aggravated robbery in the attack after the victim who was punched identified him from a photo lineup.

Charges do not indicate whether police have identified the suspected shooter.

Reporter Kimball Bennion contributed to this story.