1 man seriously injured, 1 man arrested following suspected road rage shooting – St George News

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

1 4 minutes read

TOWN OF CEDAR — One man was arrested and another was hospitalized following an alleged road rage shooting Wednesday afternoon.

An investigator takes photos of evidence at the scene of a suspected road rage-related shooting near the intersection of Fiddlers Canyon Road and Main Street, Cedar City, Utah, June 12, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News/Cedar City News

“We received a report of a suspected road rage situation involving a motorcyclist and a vehicle,” Cedar City Police Chief Darin Adams told Cedar City News at the scene on Fiddlers Canyon Road , a short distance east of its intersection with Main Street.

“Based on the information we are receiving, it appears the motorcyclist pulled out his gun and shot the victim,” Adams added.

Witnesses at the scene reported hearing several gunshots and seeing the injured man lying on the sidewalk as the motorcyclist, who was wearing a black helmet, got back on his bike and sped away.

“The victim is currently being treated at a local hospital,” Adams added.

Shortly before 6 p.m., approximately 2.5 hours after the incident, Cedar City Police Lt. J.R. Robinson issued a press release stating that the injured man was then flown to St. Petersburg Regional Hospital. . George and that he was in critical condition.

The press release also provided additional details about the incident, stating that the initial conflict began with a physical confrontation in downtown Cedar City around 3:30 p.m.

Law enforcement officers work the scene where a shooting suspect was apprehended in a residential neighborhood in the Nichols Canyon area, Cedar City, Utah, June 12, 2024 | Photo by Haven Scott, St. George News/Cedar City News

“The situation escalated as the confrontation resumed near the intersection of Fiddlers Canyon Road and Main Street,” the press release states. “During this escalation, the motorcyclist allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the driver of the passenger vehicle.”

The suspect was apprehended without further incident a short time later in a nearby residential development, Adams said.

There was a significant law enforcement presence at both locations, including several Cedar City police officers, Utah Highway Patrol troopers and Iron County sheriff's deputies, as well as officers from Southern Utah University and the Enoch Police Department.

“The scenes are handled separately,” Adams said. “We had a really good response and a lot of support. »

Traffic in the area was disrupted for more than an hour, including road and lane closures, while investigators gathered evidence and took witness statements.

Police said that while they are not looking for additional suspects at this time, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Cedar City Police Department at 435-586-2955.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement and may not contain the full findings.

Cedar City News reporter Haven Scott contributed to this article.

Photo gallery

Law enforcement officers investigate suspected road rage-related shooting incident near the intersection of Fiddlers Canyon Road and Main Street, Cedar City, Utah, June 12, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News/Cedar City News

Law enforcement officers on scene where a shooting suspect was apprehended in a residential neighborhood in the Nichols Canyon area, Cedar City, Utah, June 12, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News/Cedar City News

A white Mercedes is surrounded by police tape at the scene of a suspected road rage-related shooting near the intersection of Fiddlers Canyon Road and Main Street, Cedar City, Utah, June 12, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News/Cedar City News

Law enforcement officers on scene where a shooting suspect was apprehended in a residential neighborhood in the Nichols Canyon area, Cedar City, Utah, June 12, 2024 | Photo by Haven Scott, St. George News/Cedar City News

Jeff Richards, a Salt Lake City native with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and high school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading and taking photos.