PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

August 5, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://slcpd.com/mediarequest/

SLCPD Officers Arrest Man Accused of Firing Gun to Attract Officer’s Attention

SALT LAKE CITY —Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department arrested a 45-year-old man on felony discharge of a firearm and other charges after he allegedly fired a gun to attract a passing officer’s attention.

“I can’t emphasize the danger involved in shooting off a gun to attract the attention of a police officer,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “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.”

This investigation began at 12:32 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, when a Salt Lake City police officer assigned to the Liberty Patrol Division saw a man walking northbound on 700 East near Wilmington Avenue.

The officer noticed the man had something in his hand. The officer heard what sounded like a gunshot. When the officer turned around, he saw the man running toward him.

The officer safely took the man, later identified as Nichan Meguerditchian, into custody.

During the investigation, the Meguerditchian told the officer he fired the gun to get the officer’s attention.

Officers found evidence of gun fire near 700 East Wilmington Avenue. The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Crime Lab Unit responded to process and collect the evidence.

During the investigation, officers found drug paraphernalia in the Meguerditchian’s car.

Officer booked Meguerditchian into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. The case will be reviewed by the district attorney’s office.

No additional information is available for release.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

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