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Police use dogs, helicopter in search for suspects after shots fired in WVC

Posted at 9:06 PM, Jul 31, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-01 14:13:09-04

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Police located a fugitive hiding in the stairwell of a home after leading officers on a chase Friday night.

According to information from the West Valley City Police Department, the incident began around 7:45 p.m. and when officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of 3800 West Dean Avenue.

When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a car with bullet holes in it. The man inside the vehicle was uninjured but told police someone in a blue passenger vehicle drove by and shot at him.

Police found the suspected vehicle in the area of 4500 South and 4000 West and a short pursuit began. At one point, police say, two men got out of the car and fled on foot.

Bloodhounds and a helicopter assisted in the pursuit.

One of the suspects, identified as 28-year-old Joseph Guerrero, ran inside a nearby home. Police say they think the homeowner knew Guerrero and was helping him hide inside.

Officer forced entry into the home and found Guerrero in the stairwell. He reportedly suffered injuries after being bitten by a police K9.

“We have three suspects in custody that we’re interviewing with right now and trying to determine really the ins and outs of the case and who’s gonna be charged with what,” said Lt. Kent Stokes with West Valley City police.

Guerrero is a parole fugitive and is facing charges for violating his parole.

The woman inside the home was also taken into custody and could be facing obstruction of justice charges.

There were no reports of injury so far in connection with the shots being fired.