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SOUTH SALT LAKE — A 37-year-old man who attempted to burglarize an abandoned house by shooting off the lock was arrested Friday, according to police.
Miguel Lopez was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of burglary, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, two counts of drug possession, theft, criminal mischief, illegal discharge of a firearm and intoxication.
About 10:20 a.m., a resident called 911 after hearing multiple shots coming from the area of 200 W. Angelo Ave., said South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller. Keller said a man was attempting to enter an abandoned house by shooting the lock off the door.
"Miguel fired 3-4 shots within South Salt Lake City limits at two sheds damaging the locks," according to a jail booking report.
Lopez also found keys to a residence inside a mailbox and proceeded to enter and steal "several hand tools and landlord paperwork," the report states.
Officers quietly approached Lopez as he was allegedly committing his burglary and surprised him, Keller said. He surrendered without further incident.
Two other men, however, were spotted in the backyard, Keller said. They jumped over fences and ran when police approached. Officers from South Salt Lake, the Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Transit Authority police set up a large containment area but could not find the men. Keller said it was unknown Friday if the duo were also part of the attempted burglary.
