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Police: Teen admits to stabbing victim during drunken fight in Temple Square

Posted at 7:01 AM, Dec 08, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-08 16:03:49-05

SALT LAKE CITY – An 18-year-old admitted to stabbing a man after they got into a fight at Temple Square overnight.

Police said they responded to multiple calls about a fight at North Temple and West Temple around 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

According to Salt Lake City police, a group was hanging out near the reflecting pool when 18-year-old Leka Tavalu-Fifita and a 16-year-old male , who were allegedly drinking and smoking, approached them.

Officers said the two teens approached the group because they wanted to meet a woman who was with them.

Police said the group was unhappy the two teens were drinking and smoking and a fight ensued.

A short time later, the groups crossed paths again near the north exit of Temple Square which is when Tavalu-Fifita allegedly stabbed a 20-year-old man.

“There is a point at which, if you think you are going to be killed by a mob of violent people, you can defend yourself,” Salt Lake City Police Lt. Craig Gleason said. “But we are nowhere near deciding whether or not we have a justified self-defense or an aggravated assault. But we do have everybody involved in hand.”

Police said Tavalu-Fifita admitted to stabbing the victim with a knife; his injuries were not serious.

Officers said Tavalu-Fifita was arrested for aggravated assault, unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor and disorderly conduct.

The 16-year-old with him was cited for unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor and disorderly conduct and released to his parents.

The investigation is still ongoing.