Salt Lake City — Police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with what investigators describe as a gang-related assault followed by a hit-and-run crash on Monday. The suspect, identified as Nicholas Talon Maez, is now facing charges including rioting and robbery and is currently being held without bail.
According to newly released court records, officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department were dispatched to 11809 South Richards Street after reports of a hit-and-run. Upon arrival, police located several individuals involved in the collision.
While officers were gathering information, staff members from Horizonte Instruction & Training Center approached them with critical details. They informed police that the same group connected to the crash had also been involved in a physical altercation captured on school surveillance cameras. After reviewing images from the footage, officers confirmed the people in the video matched those at the crash scene.
Police later interviewed the victim, who stated he had been sitting inside a truck in the school’s parking lot when multiple individuals climbed out of another vehicle and began kicking and punching him. During the attack, the victim dropped $220 in cash, and the suspects allegedly demanded, “Give me your money,” while continuing the assault.
The victim attempted to flee but was chased down, cornered, and attacked again. Investigators say surveillance video supports the victim’s statements.
During Maez’s arrest, officers reported finding $260 in cash in his clothing. Detectives also noted that the incident appeared to be gang-motivated, pointing to the victim’s documented affiliation with the Sureños and the alleged involvement of Maez and others tied to the Norteños. You can read more about these groups on the official U.S. Department of Justice website. For additional background on gang classifications, see Sureños.
Maez remains in custody without the option for bail as the investigation continues.
