Police: Man who shot suspect during carjacking did "right thing" by coming to aid of vehicle's owner

OREM, Utah (AP/WITI) -- Police are hailing a man who shot and killed a would-be carjacker outside a Utah grocery store, saying he did the "right thing" by coming to the aid of the vehicle's owner.

It happened Saturday morning, May 2nd in a Maceys parking lot in Orem, Utah -- 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

So far, police say the man will not face charges as it appears the shooting was justified.

The incident began when police were called out out for a report of a fight. Five people -- three women and two men, fled the scene in a vehicle.

FOX6's sister station, FOX13 in Salt Lake City reports a man standing near an apartment complex was nearly struck as the suspects drove through a grassy area near the residence.

Police say the five suspects exited the vehicle after hitting a curb.

A 26-year-old man then stole a pickup truck, police say, while the other four fled on foot.

Two of the women were quickly taken into custody.

Police say the man who stole the truck eventually ditched it in a grocery store parking lot -- and went to steal another vehicle.

“Subject gets out of the truck, goes over and pulls the lady out of the silver Mercedes, starts to get in the car. She’s screaming for help,” said Captain Ned Jackson with the Orem Police Department.

Police say that's when a shopper, identified as a 31-year-old man, confronted the suspect.

“Our citizen goes up at gunpoint, has him get out of the car. The guy gets out of the car. The suspect lunged and tried to get the gun from him, so at that point he’s trying to protect himself and shoots the gentleman," Captain Jackson said.

The 31-year-old shooter has a concealed carry permit, police say. The 26-year-old carjacking suspect suffered a single gunshot wound and died at the hospital.

Police say that suspect had several felony warrants.

The search continues for the other two suspects in this case.