Three Gang Members Charged in Drive-By Shooting in Midvale

Midvale, Utah – Criminal charges were filed on Friday against three known gang members in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred on December 27 near 8250 S. 700 West in Midvale, Utah.

According to court documents, a Unified Police Department officer in the vicinity heard multiple gunshots, which grew louder as bullets impacted objects and ricocheted nearby. The officer observed a black Subaru Legacy speeding away and initiated a pursuit.

The chase continued at speeds between 80 and 100 mph until the officer’s vehicle suffered a flat tire on Bangerter Highway, forcing him to abandon the pursuit. Other officers took over and followed the Subaru as occupants threw items resembling firearms out of the vehicle near the 7800 South off-ramp. The car eventually collided with multiple vehicles while attempting a U-turn at 7000 South, rendering it inoperable.

Police apprehended three men and two teenage boys from the vehicle. Officers recovered three firearms along Bangerter Highway. Investigators later found 16 shell casings and multiple bullet holes in windows and walls at an apartment complex where the shooting took place. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Also Read – Drive-By Shooting on New Year’s Eve Leads to Arrest in West Valley City

Charges Filed

• Christian Pena Renteria, 19, of Midvale
• Miguel Guzman Garcia, 18, of Sandy
• Luis David Quintana-Melo, 20, of Herriman

Each man faces the following charges:

• 10 counts of illegal discharge of a firearm (third-degree felony)
• Evidence tampering (third-degree felony)
• Criminal mischief (third-degree felony)

Additionally, Renteria and Quintana-Melo face charges of being restricted persons in possession of a firearm (second-degree felony).

Background on Suspects

• Christian Pena Renteria:
  • Previously arrested in 2022 for a drive-by shooting where a 2-year-old was injured by a bullet fragment. He pleaded guilty to illegal discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault, with sentencing scheduled for January 16.
  • Implicated in two additional shootings in 2022, including one where a 14-year-old accidentally shot a 15-year-old in a vehicle he was driving.
• Miguel Guzman Garcia:
  • Charged as a juvenile in the 2022 case involving Renteria.
• Luis David Quintana-Melo:
  • Involved in a 2022 shooting at a Maverik gas station where a person was shot in the leg and foot.

The two teenage suspects involved in this latest incident have also been detained, though their identities have not been disclosed due to their age.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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