The Salt Lake City Police Department arrested 24-year-old Ernesto Rosendo Flores on Thursday, November 12, 2026, for the murder of 32-year-old Evan Cole. The arrest follows an investigation into a shooting that occurred near 475 West 600 South.
Details of the Shooting
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the investigation began at 9:54 a.m. on November 6, 2026, when officers were dispatched to a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers found Cole on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Sequence of Events
Detectives determined that Cole had turned off 600 South in a pickup truck before a white Audi S5 stopped behind him. Cole exited his vehicle and walked toward the driver door of the Audi. As Cole began to walk backward, he was shot and fell to the ground.
Suspect in Custody
The Homicide Unit and the Salt Lake City Police Department Gang Unit spent four days searching for Flores before taking him into custody on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Flores has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and faces charges of murder and obstruction of justice.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials are continuing to search for a white Audi S5, which was last seen with Nevada Raiders license plates AL8K38. Detectives are also requesting assistance from the public for dash cam or video footage of the white Audi and a gray pickup truck traveling northbound on I-15 between 7200 South and 600 South. The requested footage would have been recorded on November 7, 2026, between 9:45 a.m. and 9:54 a.m.
Public Assistance Requested
Anyone with information or video footage regarding the investigation should contact 801-799-3000 and reference case 26-253936. Authorities noted that charges are allegations and all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
