On April 3, a federal grand jury indicted a previously convicted felon, Carson Moffitt of Salt Lake County, Utah, on multiple gun charges, including unlawfully possessing and discharging an AR-15 style rifle within a school zone. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Moffitt is legally barred from handling such weaponry due to his felon status.
The incident that led to the indictment occurred on April 2, when South Salt Lake City Police Department officers received a notification of shots being fired at Granite Park Junior High School during the evening hours. On arrival, officers discovered shell casings from an AR-15 style rifle and obtained surveillance footage from Granite School District law enforcement showing the suspect's vehicle. Later, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper encountered the same vehicle, a Subaru WRX, travelling over 100 miles per hour.
The driver, Moffitt, eluded police, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour before eventually abandoning the pursuit. Law enforcement officers traced the vehicle to Moffitt's residence, where they came under gunfire from inside the house. Moffitt fled once again, this time leading to his apprehension after a Taylorsville City Police Department Officer intercepted and disabled his car. An AR-15 style rifle with a drum magazine and ammunition was seized from Moffitt's vehicle.
Moffitt's charges, which are part of a nationwide initiative named Operation Take Back America, aim to address illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and combat violent crime. His initial appearance before the court was scheduled for April 17. Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti announced the indictment, highlighting the collaborative investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Utah State Bureau of Investigation and local police departments.
