Two people were shot and injured Thursday night during a violent incident in South Ogden, Utah, that left the community shaken and a suspect facing serious charges. Law enforcement officials say the shooting began after officers responded to reports of shots fired and were immediately met with gunfire — described as an ambush — prompting a massive police response.
At approximately 10:00 p.m. on January 8, 2026, local residents alerted authorities to gunfire in the 1300 block of East 5800 South in South Ogden. The South Ogden Police Department was dispatched to investigate the reports of shots fired. When officers arrived on scene, they were immediately met with gunfire — an encounter police described as an ambush — although no officers reported being injured at that time.
As the situation unfolded, two neighbors — a man and a woman — were found to have been shot and injured prior to police arrival. Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical care. Authorities have not released detailed information regarding the severity of their injuries or their current conditions.
Law enforcement identified 45-year-old James Joseph Rios as the suspect in the shooting incident. After a tense standoff involving additional shots fired at responding officers and the arrival of the Ogden Metro SWAT team, Rios was ultimately taken into custody without further injuries.
Rios has been booked into the Weber County Jail and faces two counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting of his neighbors. According to police, Rios allegedly fired multiple rounds from inside his residence, including at responding officers, before eventually surrendering.
Investigators recovered a rifle inside Rios’ home and a spent rifle round on his person during his arrest. Court documents indicate that Rios had fired at his neighbors after he believed they were aware of people coming and going from his property and failed to notify him. Authorities say he admitted to shooting both victims and watching as one fell to the ground.
The intensity of the incident drew a large law enforcement presence from agencies across the region, including police departments from Ogden, Riverdale, Layton, and Roy, as well as officers from the Utah Highway Patrol. At least 35 police units, along with fire and paramedic crews, converged on the scene as the situation evolved.
Officials from the South Ogden Police Department and the Weber County Attorney’s Office Critical Incident Team are conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting. Police have expressed sympathy for the victims and their loved ones, emphasizing that community support was crucial in bringing the situation to a peaceful conclusion once the suspect surrendered.
While detailed motivations behind the violent altercation remain under investigation, court affidavits suggest Rios believed his neighbors had knowledge of people “coming and going” from his home, which he perceived negatively. Family members reportedly told police that Rios had been acting irrationally prior to the shooting and that they feared for their lives during the incident.
At this stage, law enforcement has not publicly confirmed whether other external factors or longstanding disputes may have prompted the violence. The investigation into the full sequence of events and underlying causes continues as authorities gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Incidents like the South Ogden shooting underscore growing concerns about neighborhood safety and the handling of violent encounters involving firearms. Experts and community members alike often grapple with questions about how such tragedies might be prevented and how victims can be supported in their recovery. Nationally, discussions continue around strategies for reducing gun violence and bolstering community policing efforts to ensure rapid and safe responses to threats.
When traumatic events like this occur, victims and their families face not only physical injuries but also emotional and legal challenges. Securing experienced legal guidance can be critical in helping victims understand their rights and pursue justice as investigations and legal proceedings continue. Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, is dedicated to supporting crime victims and advocating for their rights throughout the legal process.
Source:
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/01/09/ogden-shooting-results-2-injured/
