LOCAL NEWS

4-year-old fires gun at Midvale McDonald’s following altercation

Feb 21, 2022, 3:51 PM | Updated: Feb 22, 2022, 9:03 am

MIDVALE, Utah — A man has been taken into custody after police say shots were fired at a fast food restaurant in Midvale.

The incident occurred at a McDonald’s, located at 425 West and 7200 South, around 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Police said a man in the drive-thru became upset when employees got his order wrong. Employees told the man they would correct it, but he became agitated and brandished a firearm, according to police.

Officers with the Unified Police Department were then called out to the scene.

The individual was non-compliant, but eventually, police said they were able to get him out of the vehicle.

“Knowing that he might be armed, they pulled him out of the vehicle as quickly as they could,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.

As the man was being taken into custody, an officer noticed a firearm coming out of the vehicle.

“He was able to deflect it, but the firearm did go off and went into the awning here at the McDonald’s,” Rivera said.

Police said a 4-year-old child, who was in the backseat of the vehicle with a 3-year-old sibling, pulled the trigger.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in my 28 years in law enforcement,” Rivera said.

Rivera elaborated her thoughts further in a press release issued Monday afternoon.

“This is a sad day for law enforcement and our community. To have an adult think it is okay to encourage a 4-year-old to pull a firearm and shoot at police illustrates how out of hand the campaign against police has gotten. This needs to stop and we need to come together as a community to find solutions to the challenges we face in our neighborhoods. Officers are here to protect and serve and we are beyond belief that something like this could happen.”

Fortunately, the officer who deflected the shot suffered only a minor injury in the scuffle.

“He’s a hero in my mind,” Rivera said. “He saved a life today.”

The driver was identified late Monday afternoon as 27-year-old Sadaat Johnson, of Salt Lake City. He was booked on suspicion of felony child abuse and threatening the use of a dangerous weapon.

Police say both of his children have been placed in DCFS custody.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Autumn Mercado, who was found dead in her home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Charges pending in case of West Jordan mother found dead, family seeks justice and protection for children

Nearly a month after the discovery of a West Jordan woman's body during a welfare check, charges in the case have yet to be filed.

4 hours ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Matt Rourke, Associated Press) FILE: police lights. On...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

4 hours ago

An Orem home that was scheduled to be demolished on fire on Feb. 4, 2025....

Brian Carlson

Massive Orem house fire being investigated as arson

A fire that destroyed an empty Orem home in a wooded area of the city is now being investigated as arson.

5 hours ago

Nancy Duncan and Nick Jenderko behind Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 Grammy Awards show....

Mike Anderson

Utahns sat among stars at the Grammys

Some Utahns earned some bragging rights after a night at the Grammy Awards.

6 hours ago

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

7 hours ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

4-year-old fires gun at Midvale McDonald’s following altercation