Operation 'Friendly Reminder' Succeeds in Raising Public Safety Issues in CBD
March 16, 2012
In Memoriam: Sergeant Nephi Pierce
March 26, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY— The Salt Lake City Police Department has made two arrests in Wednesday’s homicide at the CJ Smoke Shop, 876 W. 800 S., Salt Lake City, Utah.

On March 14, 2012, at approximately 7:34 pm, a male got into a physical fight with victim Steven Chavez. After the fight the male fled the scene in a red passenger car. Approximately 20 minutes later two males arrived at the CJ Smoke Shop in a dark colored passenger car. The passenger exited the vehicle and opened fire on Chavez, killing him. As the suspect fled he fired additional rounds towards by-standers, but no one was struck.

On March 19, 2012, at approximately 12:30 am, Yelfris Sosa-Hurtado (8/13/1986) and Vladimir Suarez-Campos (8/02/1974) were taken into custody without incident by Salt Lake City Police SWAT Officers and The Safe Streets Task Force Officers during a traffic stop at the 7200 South exit of I15.

Hurtado was identified as the person who shot Chavez and Suarez was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle. Both men were charged with aggravated murder.