One dead in University of Utah shooting as police hunt for suspect | SoTechNaija

 

A suspected gunman is on the run after fatally shooting an international student near the University of Utah on Monday night, police said.
Suspect Austin Boutain, 24, is still at large, hours after cops say he shot student, during a carjacking just east of the Salt Lake City school, University of Utah Police Chief Dale Brophy. Authorities later identified the victim as ChenWei Guo, a student from China, NBC affiliate KSL TV reported.
The first call came in shortly after 9 p.m. of a man with a gunshot wound to the head. Students were advised to “Shelter in Place” because shots were fired.
Boutain's wife was injured when she appeared on campus and reported that her husband assaulted her while they were camping in the canyon just east of the school, Brophy said.
It remains unclear when Boutain's wife made the report, and how the alleged assault was linked to the carjacking.

Police officers search for a gunman near Red Butte Garden on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Monday, Oct. 30, 2017. Police say a deadly shooting occurred near the school campus on Monday. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP)

(Rick Egan/AP)

Boutain, who was last seen in black clothing and a beanie, has a cross tattoo on his face and may have also been driving a forest green pick-up truck with a Colorado license plate, according to the university.
The Department of Public Safety dispatched a helicopter crew to assist the University of Utah Police and several authorities, including the FBI, swarmed the area as the manhunt continues.
Police have not yet identified the name or gender of the carjacking victim.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement on Twitter, writing, "Fervent prayers for all dealing with the #UofUShooting tonight. Stay safe and follow directions to shelter in place."
Boutain's brother Lee Boutain told the Daily News he was shocked to learn his brother was a suspect in the shooting, since he hadn't heard from the 24-year-old for several months months since he skipped parole in Wisconsin.
Lee Boutain would not elaborate on his brother's criminal history, although public records show Austin Boutain has also been arrested in Ohio and Alabama.