SLC Times

A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City has indicted a Salt Lake County man on multiple violent crime charges after he allegedly shot another man inside a vehicle following an argument.

According to court documents, Maxwell Archibald, 21, of Taylorsville, Utah, fired a handgun at a passenger on August 14, 2024. The affidavit states that officers from the Unified Police Department responded to an incident at a Maverik gas station in Midvale, Utah. Upon arrival, the shooting victim reported being with two friends: the vehicle owner and Archibald. An argument reportedly broke out between Archibald and the vehicle owner over who would drive. The shooting victim intervened, leading to a physical altercation inside the vehicle between him and Archibald. Archibald then brandished a handgun and fired at the victim but missed initially before shooting him in the arm. The shooting victim and the vehicle owner fled while Archibald drove off in the car.

The vehicle owner subsequently called police to report it stolen. Law enforcement attempted to stop Archibald, who fled before crashing the car and being apprehended after a foot chase and brief struggle. A firearm matching the one used against the victims was recovered.

Archibald faces charges of carjacking and using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. His initial court appearance is scheduled for September 5, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins announced these developments.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda from the Office of the District of Utah is prosecuting.

An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.