Suspect identified in fatal road rage shooting

SALT LAKE CITY — A 50-year-old man was killed early Monday after a road rage shooting that brought traffic to a standstill on one of Salt Lake City's busiest streets during the morning commute.

The shooting happened just before 5:30 a.m. on east State Road 201 near 900 West. Only two vehicles were believed to have been involved in the incident, with one driver firing at the other.

The suspect, 44-year-old Thomas Jim Long, was arrested on suspicion of murder, aggravated assault and reckless driving.

According to police, Long claimed he shot the victim in self-defense.

Long was driving a Ford Explorer and the deceased victim was in a Dodge Ram pickup.

Investigators reviewed dashcam footage from a witness. The video says it appeared the victim initially cut Long off. According to the arrest report, Long then retaliated by swerving, cutting off the victim and checking the brakes. Police said this caused the victim to collide with Long's vehicle multiple times.

At some point, the victim drove his truck into Long's SUV. Long then walked in front of the victim and pushed both vehicles into a concrete barrier, police said. Long then allegedly shot the victim. According to police, 15 shell casings were found in Long's SUV.

Long is in jail without bail.

Eastbound SR-201 was closed at Redwood Road until 1:30 p.m. and then reopened. The investigation continues, with officers gathering evidence and identifying witnesses.

“If there are anyone else who saw this incident or has video footage that could assist us, we encourage them to contact the Utah Highway Patrol dispatch center and let us know what information they have,” said Lt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol.

As traffic violence incidents continue to rise in Utah, the state passed a law over the summer that increases penalties for violations and allows for the impoundment of vehicles.

Roden said UHP has investigated more than 20 cases of road violence since the law went into effect, 10 in August and 11 in September, although not all were as serious as the one that occurred Monday.

“We want to make sure that people stay in control of their emotions, that we help them, get them back and forth, and that people here in Utah can travel safely on our roads,” Roden added.