Driver arrested for murder in traffic altercation on Monday

SALT LAKE CITY — A minor traffic violation escalated into a homicide early Monday, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

44-year-old Thomas Jim Long – who police believe fired up to 15 shots at the other driver – was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of murder, aggravated assault and reckless driving.

The incident occurred around 5:20 a.m. on eastbound State Route 201 near I-215 in West Valley City and culminated, according to UHP Lt. Cameron Roden near 1000 West with the shooting and crash of at least one of the vehicles.

A 50-year-old man was found dead in a black Dodge Ram that had a fire burning underneath when police arrived, according to a police affidavit. Long was found next to a Ford Explorer, which was also parked against a concrete barrier.

“Bullet holes were visible through the passenger window of the black Ram and the victim had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Shell casings were located around the vehicle with a handgun in a pocket on the passenger side of the Ford Explorer,” the affidavit states.

When questioned, Long claimed he was protecting himself, the affidavit states.

However, officers investigating the incident were able to find dashcam video from a motorist involved that showed Long initially being pulled over by the victim, the affidavit said.

“Thomas Long then showed aggressive driving behavior, including checking the brakes and cutting off the victim. The footage also shows Thomas Long changing lanes without signaling and swerving in front of the victim. The victim then collided with Long's vehicle multiple times,” the affidavit states. “The victim activated his turn signal and appeared to be preparing to exit, but then turned back into the suspect’s vehicle, resulting in another collision. In response, Long maneuvered in front of the victim’s vehicle, forcing both vehicles into a concrete barrier.”

According to the police, several shots were fired. A total of 15 cartridge cases were recovered from the scene.

“These shots resulted in fatal injuries to the victim. The exact number of shots fired is currently unknown. The magazine in the weapon was empty and held up to 15 rounds,” the officers wrote in their affidavit.

Long allegedly claimed that the deceased man “pulled something out of his waistband, which he responded by shooting at him,” the affidavit states. However, in their affidavit, officers noted the seriousness of the case, saying it had “evolved from a minor traffic offense to a homicide,” and arrested Long.

The eastbound lanes of SR 201 were closed between 900 West and Redwood Road while the incident was investigated.

Anyone who has video or witnessed the shooting is asked to contact UHP at 801-887-3800.

Utah has seen a number of road rage incidents in recent years, and Roden said the UHP has investigated previous cases of road rage incidents that escalated into shootings. He said police had investigated more than 40 cases of road violence since July.

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

Contributor: Karah Brackin

Correction: A previous version listed the location as West Valley City. The accident occurred in Salt Lake City after a traffic disturbance occurred in West Valley City.