TOOELE COUNTY, Utah — A shooting in Tooele County is under investigation following a confrontation between an injured driver and a man who allegedly tried to assist him on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred near Burmester Road and I-80, outside of Grantsville, where two individuals were flying drones.
According to the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office, a car approached the area where the drone operators were, stopping about 50 feet away. The driver of the car appeared disoriented and injured, showing signs of possible alcohol consumption, authorities said. One of the drone operators called 911, while the other approached the driver to offer help.
A verbal altercation ensued between the two men, with the situation escalating when the driver reportedly exited his vehicle and pulled out a gun that was holstered on his hip. In response, the man attempting to assist the driver also drew his firearm, and shots were exchanged.
The driver was shot multiple times during the altercation but was flown by air ambulance to a nearby hospital. He underwent emergency surgery and remains unconscious. The individual who attempted to help was unharmed in the exchange of gunfire.
The two drone operators who witnessed the incident remained at the scene and are cooperating with law enforcement. At this time, no charges have been filed, and no one has been taken into custody as investigators await a statement from the injured driver.
The Tooele County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the confrontation and the shooting. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing safety threat, though the incident remains under active review.
The shooting has raised questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the altercation, with officials noting that the driver’s actions leading to the violent exchange remain unclear. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to piece together the details of the event.