KUTV – by Christina FloresThe passenger, who allegedly pointed a gun at the head of an Uber driver, is a federal police officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Byron McDonald was arrested on Oct. 20 and a day later, charged with aggravated assault, a third degree felony. Nedra Darling, spokesperson for the Department of the Interior which oversees BIA, said McDonald is a Lieutenant with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Justice Services and he was on “official travel at the time of the incident.” McDonald bailed out of the Salt Lake County Jail on Saturday, after the Salt Lake County District Attorney filed the criminal charge. Darling said in the written statement that BIA is investigating and will determine what steps to take next.
“These are the individuals that look up to for protection,” said Uber driver James Brothers, of the irony that the man who was sworn to defend justice, pulled a gun on him.
Brothers said he picked up McDonald and three other people from a downtown Salt Lake bar that night, after they called for a lift. He says he dropped off three passengers first, then drove McDonald to his hotel as he had a disagreement with one of the other passengers. Right after he pulled into the hotel entrance, Brothers said McDonald looked at him and said, “Do you want to live or die?” At first, Brothers said he thought it was a joke because McDonald appeared drunk. Then his passenger asked him the question again and pulled out a gun and pointed it at his head. Brothers said he tried to run but McDonald grabbed him by the collar and pulled him so hard he ripped his shirt and jacket and left scratch marks. Brothers pulled away, ran out of the car and called 911.
The District Attorney said surveillance video from the hotel supports Brothers’ story. McDonald was arrested in the hotel.
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Copyright 2014 Sinclair Broadcast Group
“These are the individuals that look up to for protection,” said Uber driver James Brothers…”
If have a death wish, maybe.