Utah [US], June 16 (ANI): A tragic shooting at the WestFest carnival in Centennial Park, Utah, on Sunday night claimed the lives of three individuals, including an eight-month-old infant. Two teenagers were also injured in the incident, according to the West Valley City Police Department.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased include a 41-year-old woman, an 18-year-old man, and an eight-month-old baby. Additionally, a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy sustained gunshot wounds to their arms. Police stated that it remains unclear whether the injured teens were directly involved with the groups engaged in the altercation.
The incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. (local time), while officers were patrolling the area during the WestFest event. They observed two groups of people involved in a verbal confrontation. As officers moved in to intervene, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups pulled out a firearm and began shooting.
In an official statement posted on X, the West Valley City Police Department said, “At 9:20 pm, officers working the WestFest carnival spotted two groups of people having a verbal altercation. As they approached to break up the altercation, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups pulled out a gun and fired.”
One officer discharged his weapon but did not strike the suspect. The 16-year-old shooter was apprehended at the scene and taken to the police station for questioning.
Police emphasized that detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and urged additional eyewitnesses to come forward. “We believe there could be more people out there who witnessed the incident, and we would like to talk to them. If you witnessed this incident tonight, please contact us at: 801-840-4000,” the department stated in another post on X.
WestFest, an annual community carnival, was underway at the time of the shooting. The violent event has shocked residents and raised concerns over public safety at large gatherings.
Further investigations are ongoing, and police have not yet released details regarding a possible motive behind the shooting. (ANI)
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