Utah shooting leads to arrest of friends seeking revenge on man’s ex

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man seeking to get revenge on an ex-girlfriend on behalf of his friend was allegedly involved in a shooting that injured the woman and helped slash her new boyfriend’s tires.

Bradon Alex Quilter-Watson, 20, was arrested on several charges, including aggravated assault felony discharge of a firearm, theft of a firearm or vehicle, and criminal mischief.

During the early morning hours of March 16, at least four gunshots were fired.

Officers discovered a resident in the area had armed themselves and exited the residence to determine what had happened. A tan Suburban then stopped in front of the residence and the armed resident fired shots at the car.

The affidavit states the vehicle fled the area and was later stopped by officers. The occupants were taken into custody and a shotgun was located in the car.

“Information was gathered that there was another shotgun which had been used in the shooting and the occupants were associates of the original shooting suspects,” the affidavit states.

Police discovered Quilter-Watson and the boy, who had been driving around, were acting on behalf of a friend to get revenge on his ex-girlfriend. She suffered a non-life-threatening injury when a shot from the shotgun shattered the window in the living room where she was sitting.

A truck belonging to the person believed to be the victim’s new boyfriend had also been shot and his tires were slashed.

Investigators searched the home where Quilter-Watson was staying and found several items of drug paraphernalia. They also found a loaded Remington 12-gauge shotgun, a CZ .22 long rifle, ammunition, magazines, and a holster.

A suspected incendiary device was found, which turned out to be a soda can wrapped in tape with a wick. Inside were matchstick tips and a material with an unknown accelerant on it, the affidavit states.

Quilter-Watson reportedly admitted to using the shotgun during the shooting, bringing the juvenile along, lying to protect the boy, and shooting at the victim’s new boyfriend’s truck.

The affidavit states he “felt he shouldn’t be held responsible for his actions because he was drunk.”

Individuals charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.