One dead in University of Utah shooting as cops hunt for suspect
Police are on the hunt for a suspected gunman after one person was killed in a shooting at the University of Utah Monday night, police said.
A victim was fatally shot in a vehicle at the gate of Red Butte Canyon, a research area on the east side of the school in Salt Lake City, Utah, according to police.
Police received reports of a man with a gunshot wound to the head shortly after 9 p.m., and students were advised to take shelter with an alert that read, “Shots fired. Red Butte Canyon. Shelter in Place.”
Authorities are still searching for a suspect, identified as Austin Boutain, 24, who has a cross tattoo on his face.
Police officers search for a gunman near Red Butte Garden on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. Police say a deadly shooting occurred near the school campus on Monday. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP)
(Rick Egan/AP)
Boutain, who was last seen in black clothing and a beanie, may have also been driving a forest green pick-up truck with a Colorado license plate, according to the university.
The Department of Public Safety has dispatched a helicopter crew to assist the University of Utah Police and several authorities, including the FBI, swarmed the area as the manhunt continues.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement on Twitter, writing, “Fervent prayers for all dealing with the #UofUShooting tonight. Stay safe and follow directions to shelter in place.”
Boutain’s brother Lee Boutain told the NY Daily News he was shocked to learn his brother was a suspect in the shooting, since he hadn’t heard from the 24-year-old for several months months after skipping parole in Wisconsin.
Lee Boutain would not elaborate on his brother’s criminal history, although public records show Austin Boutain has also been arrested in Ohio and Alabama.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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