Ogden, UT – A 41-year-old man was arrested on Monday afternoon in Cottonwood Heights after allegedly attempting to pull a stolen handgun during a confrontation with police officers, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
William Briant Avery, who was reportedly wanted on several outstanding warrants, was taken into custody at a Target grocery store located at 7025 S. Park Centre Drive. Officers had been alerted to his presence at the store and were waiting outside to arrest him. As Avery exited the building, police approached and informed him that he was under arrest.
According to the affidavit, as officers attempted to place Avery in handcuffs, he tried to flee and resisted arrest. During the struggle, he reportedly made multiple attempts to reach for an object in his front pocket. Officers, fearing he may be trying to draw a weapon, struggled to subdue him. After a brief but intense confrontation, officers were able to take him to the ground and place him in custody.
A search of Avery’s person revealed a stolen handgun hidden in his front pocket, which police believe he was attempting to draw during the struggle. Additionally, officers discovered a large, unsheathed blade with a 12-16 inch length, a used syringe, and several packs of suboxone.
Avery now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, theft of a firearm, being a restricted person in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and interference with a police officer. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Avery’s previous warrants and his criminal activity.