SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 5, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A man was placed into custody after he admitted firing a gun near a Salt Lake City Police officer in hopes of getting the officer’s attention.
The incident began at 12:32 a.m. Sunday when the officer saw a man walking north near 700 East and Wilmington Avenue.
“The officer noticed the man had something in his hand,” an SLCPD news release says. “The officer heard what sounded like a gunshot. When the officer turned around, he saw the man running toward him.”
Officers later identified the running man as Nichan Merguerditchian, 45.
Meguerditchian “then yelled that he shot in the air to get my attention,” the affidavit says. “A shell casing was found on scene. I observed (Meguerditchian) to be sweating profusely. (He) was very hyperactive and stated that people were in the bushes following him.
“I did not observe anyone around us. (He) was having other visual hallucinations which is common with people who are under the influence of an illegal substance.”
Meguerditchian was still sweating profusely after sitting for an hour in an air conditioned building, the arresting officer noted.
A Springfield Hellcat 9mm was recovered from the waistband of Meguerditchian, who, post Miranda “stated that he took drugs three to four days ago” adding that “he usually uses methamphetamine when he uses drugs.”
Meguerditchian was booked into jail for investigation of felony discharge of a firearm, and for possession or use of a firearm by a restricted person, both third-degree felonies.
If the case moves forward, charges would be determined by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
Chief Mike Brown, SLCPD, said no one should fire a gun to attract a law enforcement officer.
“I can’t emphasize the danger involved in shooting off a gun to attract the attention of a police officer,” he said in a prepared statement.
“This incident certainly involved a range of emotions that included fear, shock, and urge to quickly and safely regain control of the situation. I want to recognize the officer involved for his fast response in handling this situation safely and ensuring no one was hurt.”
