A previously convicted felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City, Utah, for gun charges after an alleged incident involving an AR-15 style rifle near a school. The defendant, prohibited from firearm possession, is identified as 40-year-old Carson Moffitt from Salt Lake County.
On April 2, 2025, officers from the South Salt Lake City Police Department were dispatched to Granite Park Junior High School after receiving reports of gunshots. Officers found shell casings near the school, while surveillance footage showed Moffitt's vehicle, a Subaru WRX. Utah Highway Patrol later attempted to stop the vehicle, which was observed speeding, but Moffitt evaded capture.
Officials traced the vehicle to Moffitt's residence, where gunshots were heard. According to a witness, Moffitt had a rifle. Moffitt then attempted to flee but was stopped in a collision with a Taylorsville City Police Department officer. An AR-15 style rifle was confiscated from his vehicle.
Moffitt faces charges including possession of a firearm and discharging it within a school zone. His court appearance is set for April 17, 2025. The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah.
The case is under investigation by the Utah State Bureau of Investigation with support from several local police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda is handling the prosecution.
This incident is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative combating illegal activities and violent crime. The indictment is an allegation, and Moffitt remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
