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GRANTSVILLE — A Millcreek man involved in a traffic accident in Tooele County in January is now facing criminal charges accusing him of shooting at the bystanders who tried to help him.
Chad Scott Shaffer, 39, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of discharge of a firearm, third-degree felonies; DUI and carrying a weapon while under the influence, class B misdemeanors; and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, a class C misdemeanor.
The bizarre confrontation happened on Jan. 8. Two people testing drones in the area of Burmester Road, near I-80, watched a vehicle pull up "with visible damage from an apparent accident. The driver displayed signs of injury and disorientation," according to the Tooele County Sheriff's Office.
The driver, Shaffer, began to drive away again after the bystanders said they were calling for help, according to charging documents filed Tuesday.
"(He) attempted to drive away when the individuals attempted to stop him. (Shaffer) got out of his vehicle, pulled his shirt back exposing a knife and a firearm. (Shaffer) drew the firearm and pointed it at the individuals," the charges alleges.
One of the bystanders then drew his gun.
"Both individuals fired shots and (Shaffer) was struck. After (he) fell to the ground he continued to reach for his firearm causing the other individual to fire additional shots. Once the threat was neutralized, (Shaffer's) firearm was kicked away and they waited for law enforcement to arrive," according to the charges.
