SANDY -- One person was shot and another person was assaulted after a drug deal turned violent, and police said they now believe the attack was part of a planned robbery.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., a 16-year-old boy and a male accomplice met two alleged drug dealers in a Smith’s parking lot, 10305 S. 1300 East, to purchase marijuana, said Sgt. Jon Arnold. The individuals got into the car of the teenager to arrange the drug deal.
Police said they believe the teen had no intention of paying for the drugs and instead had arranged to have accomplices come and rob the alleged dealers. Arnold said two men approached the vehicle, opened the doors and attacked.
One of the dealers was reportedly shot in the hip and the other was physically assaulted.
The man with the gunshot wound is in fair condition and is being treated at Intermountain Medical Center. The second victim is receiving treatment at Alta View Hospital.
Arnold said hospital officials were the ones who made them aware of the crime.
"Usually when we have, it's referred to as a drug rip when the transaction is set up with the intention of just stealing the drugs, usually we don't hear about drug rips," Arnold said. "Usually you don't have a drug dealer call in to report that he was robbed."
Police arrested the teenager Sunday morning. He had an undisclosed amount of marijuana in his possession, which was allegedly stolen during the incident.
Officers are still searching for the alleged attackers, as well as the other individual who was with the teen.
