A stabbing inside one of the busiest Maverik stations in Salt Lake City killed one man and injured a second person early Wednesday.
Maverik Vice President David Hancock issued a statement Wednesday confirming an employee died at its store at the corner of 1300 South and Main Street.
“It is with great sadness that Maverik had a valued member of our team killed last night at our store,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Maverik Human Resources is providing assistance to teammates who may be feeling overwhelmed, and grief counselors are available for additional help through our employee assistance program.”
About 1 p.m. Wednesday, Salt Lake City police tweeted that one person was being booked into jail on suspicion of homicide. The tweet also asked for help in finding others involved.
The names of the victims have not been released, but FOX 13 has identified the victim as 41-year-old Joseph Allen. The stabbings happened about 3:30 a.m. The Maverik’s location in the center of the city — Smith’s Ballpark is across the street — makes it one of the best-known and busiest gas stations in the capital.
Allen’s body was still visible inside the doors of the gas station as police continued gathering evidence after sunrise.
Police have not described everything that occurred. Salt Lake City Detective Michael Ruff said only that there was “an altercation” inside the store involving multiple people.
“We don’t know what led to that,” Ruff said.
Ruff said the person injured in the stabbing will survive.
Amy Hawkins, chairwoman of the Ballpark Community Council, noted that Wednesday’s homicide is the fourth in that neighborhood in a year. She said the issue does not appear to be lack of policing. She walked past the Maverik station about 9 p.m. Tuesday and saw a police car parked next door.
(Nate Carlisle | Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City police on July 3, 2019, investigate stabbings that killed one person and injured a second at a Maverik station at 1300 South and Main Street.
Hawkins believes a big factor appears to be derelict properties. She wants better cooperation with the agencies addressing homelessness in Salt Lake City. Hawkins said she’s also lobbied the city for more lighting.
“Clearly the status quo isn’t working,” she said.
Anyone with information about the case can call Salt Lake City police at 801-799-3000.
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