By Travis Uresk
4/6/24
Vernal—Today, on April 6th, 2024, Deputy O’Donnal was out on patrol when a GMC pickup pulled onto the roadway in front of him. A records check returned showing “Insurance status not found.”
The deputy stopped the truck near 600 East and Main Street in Vernal. Deputy O'Donnal explained the reason for the stop to the driver and the only occupant of the vehicle. The driver provided a Utah ID and insurance card. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Levi Van Mackay.
A records check was conducted through central dispatch, and the check from the state database showed Levi having a revoked driver's license. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle's VIN on the insurance card didn't belong to the truck currently being driven.
Levi explained that the insurance card he provided belonged to a different vehicle he owned, but Levi believed the truck he was currently driving should have insurance. It was explained to Levi that due to his license and insurance issues, the deputy would be impounding his vehicle and conducting a search of the vehicle.
Levi informed Deputy O'Donnal that there were three firearms in a red bag. During the search, the deputy found the three loaded firearms. In the same red bag was a glass marijuana pipe with burnt residue. Levi admitted to smoking marijuana recently.
Underneath the driver's seat was a medium-sized container full of marijuana, a Ziploc bag with a small amount of marijuana, and an orange medicine container with marijuana.
Levi was detained and placed in handcuffs while Deputy O'Donnal continued to search the truck. On Levi's person, a second glass marijuana pipe was located.
Levi Mackay was transported to the Uintah County Jail, where he was booked on the charges of:
Possession of a Firearm by a Category II restricted person pursuant to U.C.A 76-10-503 for having been in possession of three (3) handguns while in possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (Marijuana), a 3rd Degree Felony.
Possession of Marijuana pursuant to U.C.A 58-37-8 for having knowingly possessed a controlled substance Schedule I (Marijuana), a Class B Misdemeanor.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia pursuant to U.C.A 58-37a-5 for having several items used to possess, conceal, and inhale a controlled substance, a Class B Misdemeanor.
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License pursuant to 53-3-227 for having a driving privilege that has been revoked, a Class C Misdemeanor.
Operating a Vehicle without Insurance pursuant to 41-12a-302 for operating a motor vehicle without owner's security (Insurance) being in effect, a Class C Misdemeanor.
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Utah needs to get with the program already and quit arresting people who smoke Marijuana and take the fentonal users and dealers off the streets