Salt Lake City, UT – In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, local police have arrested a suspect linked to a deadly shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left six others injured. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ryan Daniel Toutai, was taken into custody on Tuesday, facing a charge of obstruction of justice as investigators piece together the events that unfolded on the fateful day. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of a church, where multiple victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds. According to law enforcement officials, eight individuals were affected, with two fatalities confirmed shortly after the incident. The scene was chaotic, with emergency responders working quickly to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. As investigators began their work at the scene, they discovered numerous spent cartridge casings and a handgun, both critical pieces of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Additionally, a blue Dodgers baseball cap was located nearby, which would later become a focal point in identifying potential suspects. Ryan Toutai was interviewed by detectives at the public safety building, where he was reportedly seen wearing black clothing, a black mask, and a noticeable golf chain. During this interview, Toutai claimed he had taken an Uber to the church and was inside the building when he heard the gunshots erupt from outside. He adamantly denied any involvement in the shooting and stated he had no prior knowledge of the events that transpired in the parking lot. When pressed about the Dodgers hat found at the scene, Toutai claimed he had no idea how it ended up there. Investigators, however, had gathered compelling evidence that contradicted Toutai’s statements. Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions that matched him, and tips from the public indicated his involvement in a confrontation that escalated into gunfire. Detectives also seized Toutai’s cellphone, which revealed videos showing him handling a firearm similar to the one recovered from the scene. These videos included footage of Toutai driving a vehicle with another man believed to be involved in the altercation. The man seen with Toutai in the video subsequently arrived at a local hospital with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound, raising further alarm for investigators. Footage from witnesses showed Toutai approaching the church alongside this man and another individual, who also suffered injuries during the incident. These developments prompted police to question Toutai again, but he maintained his previous narrative, continuing to assert he was inside the church when the shooting occurred. As the investigation deepened, detectives confronted Toutai with the evidence, particularly the baseball cap and the videos that linked him to the scene of the crime. They warned him that his ongoing false statements could lead to more severe charges, including obstruction of justice. Despite this, Toutai continued to deny any connection to the weapon found and insisted he had no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. In a significant turn of events, when police arrested Toutai, they discovered a loaded handgun concealed underneath the seat of his vehicle. This finding has raised serious concerns about his potential involvement in the shooting and his ties to gang activity, as authorities noted that Toutai is allegedly associated with the Tongan Crip Gang. Given these factors, investigators are advocating for the court to deny bond, citing his frequent travels between Utah and California as a flight risk. The Salt Lake City community is now grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident, which has prompted discussions about gun violence and public safety. Local leaders and residents alike are calling for increased measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The police department continues to investigate the matter, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the shooting and ensuring justice for the victims and their families. As the case moves forward, authorities are expected to reveal more details about the circumstances leading to the shooting and any additional suspects involved. The community remains vigilant and hopeful for answers as they mourn the loss of life and seek to restore peace in the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.