Salt Lake City Shooting: Police Launch Investigation After 16-Year-Old Reportedly Shot By Officers

A shooting involving at least two police officers in Utah’s Salt Lake City triggered riot-like situation in the area, according to local reports. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Selam Mohammad, a witness, told the Salt Lake Tribune that a police officer shot a 16-year-old boy who was his friend. Mohammad told the newspaper that the victim and a man were involved in an altercation, and the teen was carrying a broomstick by his side when officers arrived at the scene.

"They told him to put it down, once," Mohammad said told the Tribune, adding "[officer] started shooting him as soon as he turned around." The witness also said that the boy was hit in the chest and stomach, Mohammad reportedly said. The injured was taken to a nearby hospital, the Tribune reported.

Police confirmed that at least two officers were involved in a shooting and a suspect was attacked, KUTV.com reported. Police added that both the officers were taken to the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building as the investigation continued Saturday night, the report added.

After the shooting near 250 S. Rio Grande St., a large mob began throwing rocks, hurling broken glass and screaming at police, witnesses told KUTV.com. Police took several people into custody and officers issued a warning to the people in the area that it was not safe.

According to the Tribune, several homeless shelters are located in the neighborhood, and reports also said that business owners have repeatedly complained about drug dealing in the area.