Police Officer Uninjured After Shots Fired In West Valley City; Suspect In Custody

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – An officer with the West Valley City Police Department was uninjured after a parole fugitive fired shots at the officer, according to officials.

Lieutenant Justin Wyckoff said the incident happened as the officer was performing a VIN inspection near Rockwood Way and 4000 West on Saturday.

The suspect, who was identified by police as 29-year-old John Samora, was driving a red Kia erratically in a nearby parking lot before he stopped, fired shots at the officer and took off in the vehicle.

Police recovered some shell casings at the scene but said no one was injured and there was no property damage.

Wyckoff said officers from several Salt Lake police agencies responded but they lost sight of the Kia in the area of Interstate 80 and State Street.

The vehicle, which had no license plates, was located a short time later near 250 East Beryl Avenue in South Salt Lake.

Officials said charges of attempted homicide on a police officer will be screened against Samora, who was taken into custody Saturday night.

John Samora 12/17/90 is being returned to prison on a parole fugitive warrant. Samora was taken into custody during a traffic stop this evening. Charges of attempted homicide on a police officer, related to shots fired at our officer earlier, will be screened against Samora. pic.twitter.com/DCuwwfgn7z

— WVC Police (@WVCPD) April 19, 2020