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One person has been killed after a shooting near the University of Utah. At the time of the shooting, University students were told to take shelter while the gunman is still on the run.
According to Salt Lake City police Sgt. Brandon Shearer confirmed that one person was killed after the police department had received a report of a man being shot in the head, prompting officers to respond to the scene immediately.
The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Austin Boutain, who police consider to be armed and dangerous. Shearer said during a press conference that the suspect is possibly driving a forest green pick-up truck with a Colorado license plate and that he has a cross tattooed on his face.
Austin J Boutain 24 años, sospechoso de tiroteo en el áre de Red Butte Canyon. Armado y peligroso. Llamar 801-799-3000 si tiene información. pic.twitter.com/tFpZgGeq3D
— SLC Police Dept. (@slcpd) October 31, 2017
Police were still searching for a male suspect early Tuesday morning, focusing on the area east of Mario Capecchi Drive. That area of campus — which includes the school’s main residence halls, medical complex and research buildings — was locked down until about 3 a.m.
At about 8:15 p.m. Monday, a woman came to the campus and reported that her husband had assaulted her while they were camping in Red Butte Canyon, University of Utah Police Chief Dale Brophy said. While she was being treated for an unspecified injury just before 9 p.m., Brophy said, the woman’s husband killed a person in a carjacking at the mouth of the canyon.
Salt Lake City police say the suspect is Austin J. Boutain. The 24-year-old white male has tattoos of a cross and a teardrop on his face, as well as neck and arm tattoos, and was wearing all-black clothing — a coat, jeans and beanie.
The Shelter-in-place order was lifted for the entire campus just before 3 AM. Classes are canceled for Tuesday, October 31, but facilities and services will remain open.
Police are asking anyone with information about Boutain, including his potential whereabouts, is asked to call 801-799-3000.
