KEARNS, Utah — A man is dead after allegedly trying to prove he could dodge a bullet during a dangerous stunt with his friend, who has now been charged with manslaughter. The incident occurred Sunday in a garage near 5269 South Charlotte Ave.
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a man had been shot in the chest. Upon arrival, officers found the victim unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was quickly transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The shooter, Ashton Jonathon Mann, 24, told officers he was with the victim when the shooting occurred. According to the police affidavit, the two men had been smoking marijuana and playing video games in the kitchen before moving to the garage to continue their conversation without disturbing others in the house.
While in the garage, Mann and the victim began handling two handguns, and the victim allegedly suggested he could “dodge a bullet.” To test this claim, the pair unloaded the firearms, and Mann pointed one at the victim, pulling the trigger multiple times. The victim attempted to evade the gunfire, allegedly trying to jump out of the way to prove his ability to dodge the bullet.
After each attempt, Mann reportedly reset the gun’s trigger by cycling the slide. On the sixth attempt, however, the weapon discharged, striking the victim in the chest. Despite the severe injury, the victim was able to ask Mann to call 911. Mann attempted to administer aid until authorities arrived.
Following the shooting, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. The search revealed two handguns, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia consistent with marijuana use.
Mann was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and possession, purchase, transfer, or ownership of dangerous weapons by a restricted person.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with reckless behavior involving firearms. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.