A 37-year-old Idaho man is accused of threatening to kill a group of teenagers and allegedly pulling out a handgun, racking the slide and aiming the weapon at them during an argument over fireworks at a public park in Ammon.
Shane Michael Sutton was taken into custody and charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the July 13 confrontation at McCowin Park, court records show.
Background
The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. near the park's pickleball courts when Bonneville County sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a man pointing a gun at a group of people, according to EastIdahoNews.com and KIFI-TV, the Idaho Falls ABC and CBS affiliate.
Deputies were met by several juveniles who told investigators that an unknown man confronted them over fireworks before the encounter escalated. The teens said Sutton had accused the group of setting off a firework that struck his girlfriend, according to court documents.
One teenager, Yaser Elabed, described how the confrontation began after Sutton approached aggressively.
"He came in hot," Elabed told EastIdahoNews.com. "I was afraid. He was ready to like shoot at us."
Elabed alleged that Sutton pushed members of the group when they tried to calm the situation before pulling the gun.
The Investigation
According to charging documents, the teens told investigators Sutton yelled "I will f—ing kill you" before pulling a handgun from his waistband, racking the slide and pointing the weapon directly at them.
Investigators obtained cellphone video recorded during the confrontation. Court documents cited by EastIdahoNews.com indicate deputies reviewed footage that allegedly captured Sutton shouting "You won't do s—, I will f—ing kill you" before brandishing the handgun.
The outlet also obtained additional video showing what appears to be Sutton lifting his shirt, grabbing the pistol from his waistband and pulling back the slide, producing an audible click. Footage reportedly shows him walking away while still holding the firearm.
Sutton had already left the park by the time deputies arrived, but other officers located him a short time later at a nearby gas station and arrested him without incident.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Key Takeaways
- Shane Michael Sutton, 37, charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Incident occurred July 13 around 11 p.m. at McCowin Park in Ammon, Bonneville County, Idaho
- Police say Sutton allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at juveniles during fireworks dispute
- Cellphone video captured the alleged threats and brandishing of the firearm
- Bond set at $75,000; preliminary hearing scheduled for July 28
What's Next
Sutton is being held without bond pending further court proceedings. A judge ordered him to return for a preliminary hearing on July 28.
Each aggravated assault charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if Sutton is convicted. Court records do not list an attorney for Sutton.