CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

U.S. Marshals are finding more guns on wanted fugitives in Utah

Apr 1, 2021, 5:11 PM
(File photo)
(File photo)

SALT LAKE CITY – More guns are ending up in the hands of wanted fugitives in Utah, according to the U.S. Marshals Service office in Salt Lake City. Of the 125 arrested fugitives this year, the USMS said a staggering number had firearms.

“It’s never been this bad in my 16-year experience in law enforcement,” said Nick Chournos with the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Team. “If I had to guess, and it’s just a guess, but I would say about 30-40% of the arrested fugitives had guns on them.”

Several Utah fugitives found with guns

The USMS arrested several fugitives over the past weeks, including five in March that resulted in gun confiscations. The service reported 37% of the 125 fugitives taken into custody were wanted for firearms violations and 34% had gang affiliations.

It makes an already dangerous job even more stressful, Chournos said.

“It’s called high risk for a reason,” he said, referring to the VFAST team and its mission.

Chournos said he cannot guess why so many more fugitives have guns when they are apprehended or how they’re getting them. He suspects it might have something to do with the politically charged environment over the last year.

The USMS reports all gun-related arrests to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s office for screening additional federal firearms charges.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

police at ogden high school pictured after utah school shooting hoax...
Hugo Rikard-Bell

A former SLCPD officer discusses how police respond to copycat situations

Copycat situations are common following a school shooting such as the one that occurred in Tenneesse earlier this week. A former SLCPD talks to KSL NewsRadio how police respond.
1 day ago
Theb Utah Highway Patrol says three people died Wednesday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash i...
Samantha Herrera

Three people killed in two-vehicle crash on US-89 in Logan Canyon

US-89 is closed in Logan Canyon due to a crash. The Utah Highway Patrol says three people have died. The UHP says a Kia Rio crossed into oncoming lanes.
1 day ago
ogden high school pictured, it was a victim of a utah school shooting hoax...
Adam Small

Ogden High School community reacts to active shooter hoax

Ogden High School was one of several schools that got a call about an active shooter, leading law enforcement to lock the school down.
1 day ago
child labor...
Elizabeth Weiler

U.S. Department of Labor says Sodalicious violated child labor laws

SALT LAKE CITY — Four different locations of Utah soda and dessert shop Sodalicious went against federal child labor laws, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. By employing 19 minors and having them work long, non-permitted hours, the USDL found Sodalicious in violation.  Sodalicious‘ founding members are Annie and Kevin Auernig with 25 different […]
1 day ago
Granite School District pictured...
Samantha Herrera

Granite School District says it’s prepared in case of an active shooter

Granite School District's chief of staff says he is confident that officers with the school would have a quick and efficient response to an active shooter scenario.
1 day ago
police at ogden high school pictured after utah school shooting hoax...
Samantha Herrera

Multiple Utah schools received fake reports of school shooting, officials say

Several schools in Utah were the victims of fake school shooting reports Wednesday morning. Schools in other states reportedly faced a similar hoax.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...
BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.
Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....
Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a new winter activity? Try skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.
Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...
Intermountain Health

Five common causes of Cervical Cancer – and what you can do to lower your risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.
Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...
Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.
happy friends with sparklers at christmas dinner...
Macey's

15 easy Christmas dinner ideas

We’ve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy.
Spicy Homemade Loaded Taters Tots...
Macey's

5 Game Day Snacks for the Whole Family (with recipes!)

Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. 
U.S. Marshals are finding more guns on wanted fugitives in Utah