MIDVALE, Utah — The day after a man suffered serious wounds in an officer-involved shooting in Midvale that began when a wanted suspect opened fire on police, Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder announced in a press conference the victim of that shooting was an innocent bystander.
Police initially stated that one suspect had been shot and a second suspect was apprehended after the officer-involved shooting in Midvale Friday night, which Winder stated began when a suspect under surveillance in connection with a stolen car fired on an officer. The incident occurred in the area of 150 West 7200 South.
Saturday afternoon, Winder stated they learned the person who was hit by gunfire was not involved in the incident that sparked the shooting.
Winder stated the innocent man was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the leg, after being mistaken for the wanted suspect. The suspect and innocent victim look similar, which according to the Sheriff’s Office is why the officer mistook him for the suspect.
The victim is reported to be in serious condition but improving. The 25-year-old man’s name has not been released.
During the press conference, Winder also said that the officer who was fired on was struck in the chest by a bullet, but the officer’s protective vest prevented injury. The officer was inside his patrol car at the time, and the bullets penetrated the windshield.
The Unified Police Department officer involved in the shooting is Officer Cory Tsouras.
The man who fired on police has been identified as Jeremy Bowden, and he was apprehended a short time after the shooting. The man resisted arrest and police used a Taser to subdue him.
Things began when Bowden was spotted leaving the Mouse Pad bar on 38 West 7200 South. He then fled to the area of a car wash, which is where the exchange of gunfire with the officer occurred.
The investigation into the shooting has been turned over to the Salt Lake City Police Department, as it is state law that any officer-involved shooting be investigated by an independent agency.
Bowden will face numerous charges, which include attempted aggravated murder, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Winder stated additional information about the incident will be forthcoming. FOX 13 News’ Robert Boyd was at the press conference, and we will have further details as they emerge. Follow Robert on Twitter for updates from the press conference.
