Cops Ambushed By Suspect Who Allegedly Just Shot His Neighbors in Utah [WATCH]

A suspect has been taken into custody following a shooting in Utah that left two people hospitalized and escalated into what police described as an ambush attack on responding officers, authorities said.

James Joseph Rios, 45, was arrested early Friday morning in connection with the incident and is facing two counts of attempted murder, according to police.

The arrest followed a large law enforcement response after officers came under fire while responding to reports of gunshots late Thursday night.

Ogden Police Chief Darin Parke said officers were dispatched to reports of gunfire near 5711 South and 1475 East on Thursday night.

When officers arrived at the scene, they were immediately targeted by gunfire from Rios.

“When the officers arrived, they came under ambush fire,” Parke said in a statement.

“They were not physically harmed and immediately called for assistance.”

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Chief Parke said officers requested backup after coming under fire, prompting a significant law enforcement response.

Dozens of units responded to the scene, including SWAT teams, as authorities worked to secure the area and locate the suspect.

More viewer video from South Ogden, still no word from police on what is happening, people reported seeing victims “dragged out to ambulances” loud booms and continued police presence from multi jurisdictions along with SWAT. No information confirmed at this hour. KUTV has a… pic.twitter.com/EIHiGyavB9

— Heidi Hatch KUTV (@tvheidihatch) January 9, 2026

According to police, the situation unfolded in stages. Investigators later determined that two neighbors had already been shot before officers arrived at the location.

The victims were found after the initial response and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Police did not release details about their conditions.

“The suspect fired multiple rounds,” police said, according to KSL.

“Police later discovered that two neighbors had been shot prior to the initial officers’ arrival.

Those victims were transported to local hospitals.”

KSL reported that more than 35 police vehicles were present at the scene as the response expanded.

Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions assisted Ogden police, including officers from Riverdale, Layton, and Roy.

Fire crews and paramedic units were also staged nearby as a precaution while officers worked to resolve the situation.

Video from the scene later showed a man being detained by police.

A man was taken into custody in Ogden, Utah after there was an ambush attack on police responding to the scene of reported gunfire.
pic.twitter.com/pRAXCr5Muf

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 9, 2026

Chief Parke confirmed that Rios eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without officers being injured.

“The police chief confirmed that Rios was later forced to surrender,” authorities said following the arrest.

Chief Parke addressed the incident in a statement after the situation was resolved, focusing on the victims and the response from both law enforcement and the community.

“Our hearts go out to those who were injured and impacted by this incident,” Parke said.

“We also cannot thank the members of this community enough for their support in helping to resolve this situation together.”

Police did not provide details about what led up to the initial shooting involving the neighbors or the motive behind the attack.

Authorities also did not say whether Rios knew the victims or whether the incident was targeted.

The investigation remained ongoing Friday as detectives continued to review evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the full sequence of events.

Law enforcement officials said additional charges could be possible as the case develops.

No officers were physically injured during the ambush, according to police.

Authorities credited the coordinated response between multiple agencies for bringing the situation under control and preventing further injuries.

Rios remained in custody as of Friday morning.