Police Called Out To Fourth Auto-Pedestrian Incident Near Homeless Center

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah – Another resident of a new homeless shelter in South Salt Lake has been hit by a car in the road. It’s the fourth incident in the last month – and third this week.

The 67-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the road near 1000 West 3300 South, according to Executive Officer Gary Keller with the South Salt Lake Police Department.

The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Friday near a new homeless resource center.

Keller confirmed the man hit was a resident of the homeless center.

The man was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.

Officials said the man walked into oncoming traffic.

A man in a wheelchair was struck on Wednesday while in the roadway at 300 West and 3400 South.

Another man was killed on November 26 while attempting to cross 3300 South near the resource center.

All three men appeared to be residents of the center, according to police.

South Salt Lake City Council member Corey Thomas said Thursday more needs to be done to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

“I think there is a little bit of a higher tendency with a resource center of that happening with the foot traffic that it brings,” Thomas said. “I will do whatever I can to help improve that situation for others to feel safe.”

Thomas said she has already had discussions about installing crosswalks in the area.

Keller said an additional incident happened Friday morning, closer to the TRAX station. The individual suffered a broken leg. It was not clear if the person was a resident of the homeless shelter.

Officials said they planned to increase police patrols in the area, and work with the homeless center to better educate residents about pedestrian safety.