Rep. David Bresnahan, R-West Jordan, was "ready and willing to shoot" one of two hit-and-run suspects he chased early this month if the man displayed a weapon, according to police reports.
But whether or not the conservative GOP lawmaker was actually threatened by the pair after chasing them with three other witnesses on Oct. 4 depends on who is asked.In detailed accounts released last week to the media after repeated requests, Bresnahan told police he was "threatened because the suspects looked like gang bangers," the report says. And in a lengthy press conference on Oct. 22, the legislator described the two suspects as "obviously desperate." He was also afraid the pair might steal a car or enter a nearby house and take hostages.
Yet West Jordan Police Sgt. Vern Peterson wrote in a supplementary report that "at no time did either suspect make any threats or overt acts to make Mr. Bresnahan feel threatened."
Also, the lawmaker "stated he did not look where he was shooting, he kept his eyes on the suspects in case they produced a gun. Had they displayed a weapon, he would have dropped to the ground or even fired at the suspect."
Peterson wrote that Bresnahan told police one of the suspects was about 50 feet away and "at the distance, he is a very good shot."
Still, "at no time did the suspects make any movements that would indicate that they had a weapon nor did they place the citizens in a life-threatening situation," Peterson continued.
Two witnesses to the collision at the corner of 2700 West and 7800 South who then followed the suspects with Bresnahan also said the legislator didn't need to fire the weapon.
But witness David Wade added, "Those responsible for prosecuting David should be ashamed. David made a poor decision by firing, but he did not commit a crime."
The suspects, 18 and 22, both from Kearns, were arrested for investigation of drunken driving and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Bresnahan told police he obtained his concealed-weapon permit after he was threatened in January 1996. He then went to Peace Officer Standards and Training and took firearms classes. He said he is trained in the use of a .38-caliber revolver and a .25-caliber semiautomatic pistol.
The district attorney's office charged the lawmaker with discharge of a firearm upon or across a highway, a Class B misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is six months in jail and a fine of $1,000.
The 43-year-old legislator is scheduled to appear before 3rd District Judge Roger A. Livingston on Nov. 4 in Sandy.