SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah, Nov. 2, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A man has been booked into jail on charges including intoxication and burglary after police say he used a semi-automatic handgun to shoot padlocks off two sheds.
Miguel Lopez, 37, was booked Friday on charges of:
- Burglary of a dwelling, a second-degree felony
- Two counts of possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor
- Theft, a class B misdemeanor
- Criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor
- Possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, a second-degree felony
- Discharge of firearms, a class B misdemeanor
- Intoxication, a class C misdemeanor
“Miguel Lopez was seen by witnesses shooting off several rounds from a semi-automatic handgun,” a probable cause statement says.
“Miguel fired 3 to 4 shots within South Salt Lake City limits at two sheds, damaging the locks. Shell casings were found and collected.”
The statement says Lopez retrieved keys from a mailbox, used them to enter a residence, and stole several hand tools, along with paperwork belonging to the landlord. The items were found on him when he was searched, the statement says.
“Also found incident to arrest Miguel was in possession of a silver handgun and magazine which contained further ammunition,” the statement says. “The extra ammunition matched the spent shell casings found by the damaged sheds.”
Police found a pill and crystal in a container on Lopez, and the substances — packaged individually in small baggies — tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine.
“In speaking with Miguel, I could smell the odor of alcohol coming from his breath and his
speech with slurred. Miguel had in his possession a small flask which contained alcohol,” the statement concludes.
Lopez was taken into custody, and the gun was put into evidence.
The statement suggested Lopez be held rather than released on bail because, “Miguel was under the influence of narcotics and alcohol while in possession of a firearm. Miguel was seen actively shooting this firearm within the proximity of several houses.”
