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

SALT LAKE CITY – A man was arrested Saturday after police said he stole a handgun and shot at six people before fleeing from police.

Hiram Bokatrik, 29, was arrested for felony discharge of a firearm, prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, burglary of a vehicle, aggravated assault, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to stop at command of law enforcement and obstruction of justice, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Police documents state Bokatrik was arguing with one of the victims when he pointed a gun at the victim, “shooting once in his direction.” Police said six people were in the direction the gun was pointed, and victims described it as a black handgun.

Following the shooting, Bokatrik reportedly fled from officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department, jumping a fence and ditching the gun and his hat before hiding.

Police said they conducted a “drive by” with the victims, who confirmed Bokatrik to be the person who shot at them. Police said they were shown a picture of the suspect, and Bokatrik was wearing the same clothes, aside from the hat he reportedly ditched prior to police locating him.

Officers located the gun next to the hat Bokatrik had been wearing at the time of the alleged shooting.

Police said Bokatrik “tossed an item when fleeing from officers,” and they discovered a pipe with drug residue.

While investigating the shooting, police said they noticed a vehicle burglary where a firearm and cash were stolen had been reported approximately one block away from the scene.

Police said the burglary victim described the suspect as a “male with a lot of long hair and black and white shoes,” and said the suspect was in their car “just after midnight” on Saturday morning. The victim told police $380 in cash was also stolen.

Police said the description matched Bokatrik. According to police, officers searched Bokatrik and found $257, an amount “consistent with the cash that was stolen after some of it was spent.”

Police said they also found a holster on Bokatrik and confirmed the holster and firearm were stolen from the vehicle.

The victim of the alleged car burglary reportedly sent video footage to police, which was described as “dark making it unable to see the suspect’s face,” but allowed police to confirm Bokatrik was the person in the footage, “based off his hair, height, and build.”

Bokatrik was reported as having prior felony convictions, and “was not supposed to be in possession of a dangerous weapon.”

In the affidavit of probable cause, police noted Bokatrik would be a “substantial danger” to the community, and said he “has been a constant problem for the victims,” stating he has been on their property multiple times and argued in the past.

“(Bokatrik) knows where the victims live and tried to shoot and cause harm to them with the stolen firearm,” police said, noting he should be held in police custody to ensure the safety of the victims involved.

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