A man points a loaded shotgun at another man's chest during an argument

By Travis Uresk

2/28/25

| Vernal, Ut. | February 27th, 2025 |

Vernal Police responded to the area of 650 West 100 South on a report of a man pointing a shotgun at another man.

Officer Maughan arrived on scene where a male identified as 27-year-old Ricky Larose Teague said he was the male involved.

The officer noticed a shotgun on a vehicle next to Ricky, and he was then placed into handcuffs while the shotgun was secured by assisting officers.

Officers spoke with multiple witnesses and the victim, who all said that they had been arguing with Ricky when he retrieved the shotgun from inside his vehicle. The victim stated that Ricky had retrieved the shotgun from the passenger side front seat of his car, and he pointed the gun at the ground before pointing it at his chest.

A witness stated that they had a video of the incident, and in the video, it could be seen Ricky arguing with the shotgun pointed at the ground. He then raises the gun, pointing and yelling at the victim to get away from him.

Ricky was subsequently taken to the Vernal Police Department to be interviewed by Detective Collom and Officer Maughan.

Before the interview, Ricky was advised of his rights per Miranda, to which he said he understood. Ricky admitted to being in a verbal argument with the victim along with one of the witnesses. Ricky stated that no one had made any threats against him aside from asking to fight. He then admitted to pulling the shotgun out of his vehicle during the verbal argument.

Ricky said that he was in fear for his life but denied anyone having displayed any weapons.

Ricky said that he displayed his shotgun after the victim had run up to him after he had made a remark about the victim's daughter. Ricky also stated that he got the shotgun out of his vehicle and then cocked it to intimidate the victim into thinking that the gun was loaded when it wasn't. He said that he had loaded 2 shells into the tube, one shell containing birdshot and one being a slug.

Ricky said that he keeps the 2 shells in the shotgun tube at all times unless it's in transport, and the birdshot is a warning shot, and the slug is for if someone keeps coming at me.

The assisting officer who had secured the shotgun said the shotgun was indeed loaded with one shell in the chamber and one shell in the tube.

Ricky Teague was arrested for the following offense:

Threatening with or using a dangerous weapon in a fight or quarrel is a class A misdemeanor; this was due to Ricky drawing/exhibiting a shotgun in the presence of more than 2 people in a threatening and angry manner in a fight/quarrel. Ricky was subsequently taken to the Uintah County Jail and booked on the charge.

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