A man accused of shooting two of his neighbors in South Ogden late Thursday — allegedly because they simply walked outside — has been arrested.
James Joseph Rios, 45, was booked into the Weber County Jail for investigation of two counts of attempted murder.
The shootings prompted a mass response from police and firefighters. Two people in the neighborhood were shot prior to the arrival of police, and initial responders came under fire, but authorities reported no other injuries.
“Last night, South Ogden Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of possible shots fired. When officers arrived in the area, they came under ambush fire,” police said in a statement Friday. “They were not physically harmed and immediately called for assistance.”
Thursday night, a South Ogden police officer responded about 10 p.m. to “the area of 1372 E. 5800 South, following a report of multiple individuals being shot at or near the listed address,” according to a police booking affidavit. “Upon arrival, the responding officer reported that additional gunshots were fired in the officer’s direction. The officer observed a female running from the area, at which time several more shots were fired in her direction.”
At least 35 police cars from various departments, along with numerous fire and paramedic trucks, converged at the scene. Two drones were deployed, a police dog was present, and law enforcement officials in full tactical gear walked around the scene.
“Upon the arrival of the SWAT team, an exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect and a SWAT officer. Two individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds,” according to the affidavit.
Rios was taken into custody by the SWAT team.
“The suspect fired multiple rounds. Police later discovered that two neighbors had been shot prior to the initial officers’ arrival. Those victims were transported to local hospitals,” police stated, while adding that Rios “was eventually convinced to surrender and was taken into custody.”
A rifle was recovered inside Rios’ residence, the affidavit states.
“James admitted to firing multiple rounds from inside his residence toward neighbors who lived across the street. The suspect stated he fired at the neighbors because the neighbor exited their residence after the suspect had warned them to remain inside. The suspect admitted he knew he had shot his neighbors, and watched the male neighbor fall to the ground, and then shot the wife, who was also outside. The suspect further admitted to firing additional rounds from inside his residence after law enforcement officers arrived on scene,” according to the affidavit.
The statement didn’t detail what precipitated the shooting, identify the two victims, or describe the nature of their injuries. The police affidavit noted that Rios shot his neighbors “just because he believed they were aware of people coming and going into his house, and they failed tell him...James claims that there are other people
involved that he dislikes. James claims that there are other people involved with ‘Messing with his Family’ that he dislikes.
“Family members claim that James has been acting irrationally for a period of time, and they were also in fear for their (lives) when he was shooting from inside their house,” the affidavit continues.South Ogden police and the Weber County Attorney’s Office Critical Incident Team are investigating. “Our hearts go out to those who were injured and impacted by this incident. We also cannot thank the members of this community enough for their support in helping to resolve this situation together,” reads the statement.
The turn of events drew widespread social media attention, particularly of the many officers rushing to the scene from varied departments Thursday night. Police cars were present from the Riverdale, Ogden, Layton and Roy police departments and Utah Highway Patrol vehicles were also present. Fire and paramedic trucks were on standby in the lot of an adjacent church meetinghouse.
South Ogden police and the Weber County Attorney’s Office Critical Incident Team are investigating. “Our hearts go out to those who were injured and impacted by this incident. We also cannot thank the members of this community enough for their support in helping to resolve this situation together,” reads the statement.
The turn of events drew widespread social media attention, particularly of the many officers rushing to the scene from varied departments on Thursday night. Police cars were present from the Riverdale, Ogden, Layton and Roy police departments and Utah Highway Patrol vehicles were also present. Fire and paramedic trucks were on standby in the lot of an adjacent church meetinghouse.
Contributing: Tim Vandenack