Man tries to reach for stolen gun while resisting arrest outside of a Target, police say

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — A man who had several warrants for his arrest allegedly tried to pull out a stolen handgun while officers were arresting him Monday afternoon.

William Briant Avery, 41, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault, theft of a firearm, being a restricted person with a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and interference with a police officer, according to the police affidavit.

Cottonwood Heights police received information that Avery was at a Target grocery store at 7025 S. Park Centre Drive. According to police, Avery had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest, and officers began to locate him.

According to the affidavit, officers waited outside of the Target and approached Avery, telling him he was under arrest. As Avery was being placed in handcuffs, he attempted to run away from at least two officers.

The officers were able to wrestle Avery to the ground but reported that he continued to resist arrest and refused all commands to stop resisting. According to the affidavit, Avery made “numerous attempts” to reach for something in his front pocket.

Eventually, officers were able to subdue Avery, and he was taken into police custody.

During a search of Avery, officers found a stolen handgun in his front pocket and believe he “was attempting to take out of his pocket during the struggle,” the affidavit stated.

Officers also found an “unsheathed blade edged weapon with a blade length of approximately 12-16 inches, a used syringe and packs of suboxone” in Avery’s backpack, according to the affidavit.

According to court documents, Avery was wanted after he was indicted for stealing several credit cards and personal information from a man in August.