A suspect in South Ogden, Utah, is facing serious charges following a violent altercation with his neighbors and responding law enforcement. As reported by KUTV, James Joseph Rios, 45, was booked on two counts of first-degree felony attempted murder after allegedly discharging a long rifle at his neighbors due to a dispute.
Rios was taken into custody after an exchange of gunfire with police near 5700 South and 1475 East on Thursday night, the arrest occurring without any injuries to police officers however Rios's neighbors, a man and his wife were injured in the fray, taken to local hospitals with gunshot wounds to which the severity has not been disclosed "Our hearts go out to those who were injured and impacted by this incident," South Ogden Police Chief Darin Parke imparted in a statement obtained by KUTV. An investigation into the shooting by local authorities is still in process, with the police yet to release further details regarding the incident.
Information from a social media post by Brian Schnee highlighted that Rios, after being detained, reportedly admitted to firing multiple rounds at his neighbors because he believed they had failed to inform him of people coming and going from his home. After firing at responding officers when they arrived on the scene, Rios continued to discharge his weapon while inside his residence. A long rifle was subsequently recovered from Rios' residence, and an unspent rifle round was found in his pocket at the time of the arrest.
Adding to the details of this intense situation, Gephardt Daily reports a significant police operation was mobilized to manage the incident, with assistance from several law enforcement agencies, including South Ogden Police, Ogden City Police, Riverdale Police, Layton Police, and the Weber County Sheriff’s Office; upon his arrest, Rios was ordered to be held without bail pending a pretrial hearing. Chief Parke expressed gratitude towards the community for their support during this concerted effort to apprehend the suspect and ensure public safety.
