Man arrested in Salt Lake City, accused of shooting at multiple people

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A 29-year-old man is facing several felony charges after he allegedly opened fire on an individual during a verbal altercation.

On Saturday, around 4:28 p.m., Hiram Bokatrik shot once at the individual he was involved in an argument with, according to a Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) booking affidavit. However, there were five other people in the pathway in which his gun was pointed, endangering them as well.

SLCPD officers responded to the incident and located Bokatrik in the area. They said Bokatrik began to flee on foot upon their arrival, jumped a fence and hid between stacks of pallets, ditching his hat and firearm nearby.

He was found and taken into custody shortly thereafter, and the weapon and his hat were located as well. Drug paraphernalia was also found in the same area.

Bokatrik was later realized to be involved in a previous vehicle burglary that occurred around midnight that same day, only one block away from the shooting. A firearm, holster and $380 in cash were stolen. The description officers received from the victim matched Bokatrik, and the gun he used in the shooting was the same one he stole.

SLCPD said Bokatrik has prior felony convictions, making him a Category 2 restricted individual, meaning he’s banned from possessing dangerous weapons.

Bokatrik was placed under arrest for investigation of fourteen different felony charges, including six counts of aggravated assault, along with possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, burglary of a vehicle, and prohibited possession of a dangerous weapon.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.