Crime
Three Dead, Including Infant in Mass Shooting at WestFest Carnival at Centennial Park
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A tragic shooting at the annual WestFest celebration in Centennial Park left three people dead — including an infant and a woman uninvolved in the altercation — and several others injured late Sunday evening.
According to West Valley City Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku, the incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. near 5600 West and 3100 South.
Officers patrolling the event observed two groups of individuals engaged in a heated verbal confrontation.
As officers approached to de-escalate the situation, a 16-year-old male from one of the groups pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the other group.
One responding officer discharged their weapon at the suspect in an attempt to neutralize the threat but did not strike him.
Five individuals sustained gunshot wounds.
An 18-year-old male, believed to be part of the opposing group from the shooter, died at the scene.
Tragically, two bystanders with no connection to the dispute — a 41-year-old woman and an 8-month-old infant — were also struck by gunfire.
Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the woman and child were not related.
Two additional teenagers were wounded during the shooting: a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, both suffering non-life-threatening gunshot injuries to their arms.
Investigators are working to determine whether either teen was affiliated with the groups involved in the initial argument.
In the ensuing chaos, a pregnant woman was injured while attempting to scale a fence to flee the gunfire.
Her condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody at the scene without further incident and is being held for questioning.
Officials have not yet confirmed a motive for the altercation, and it remains unclear whether the violence was gang-related.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have video footage or information to come forward as the investigation continues.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community,” said Vainuku. “We are committed to finding answers and holding the responsible parties fully accountable.”
WestFest, a popular family-friendly community event, was immediately shut down following the shooting.
Grief counselors and victim support services are being coordinated for those affected.
CHICAGO, IL (Cook County) — Chicago police and emergency crews responded to an officer-involved shooting following a chaotic pursuit involving a stolen ambulance from Loretto Hospital.
According to preliminary reports, officers were dispatched to the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and North Cicero Avenue after a suspect allegedly stole an ambulance from the hospital premises.
During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect reportedly struck multiple police officers with the vehicle, prompting officers to discharge their weapons.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody at the scene.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been requested for two injured officers, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
Authorities have secured the area, and multiple law enforcement units remain on scene as the investigation continues.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified and will review the incident in accordance with department policy.