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Two Uintah County shooting victims in critical condition, suspect in custody

Posted at 10:46 AM, Jun 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-09 10:47:54-04

MAESER, Utah – Two men are in critical condition after they were shot in Maeser, just outside of Vernal, Thursday morning.

The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office says deputies have one suspect in custody, 21-year-old Jayson John Dean.

Uintah County deputies said Dean is a Vernal resident who recently moved from California.

He is being held on two counts of attempted homicide.

Deputies were called about gunshots near 660 S. and 2500 W. at about 6:30 a.m.

A “concerned citizen” drove one of the shooting victims to the hospital before authorities arrived.

Authorities said the other wounded man drove off in black Pontiac Grand Am, that had two bullet holes in it, and later crashed into a pole near 2000 W. and 500 N.

He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Deputies said they believe the fight started when Dean suspected the victims of stealing from him.

Officials said the altercation may have stemmed from a party the victims and suspect attended the night before.

Drugs and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors, deputies said.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to call (435) 789-4222.