Suspect arrested after allegedly tailing and firing at driver he believed to be intoxicated, police say

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — A 57-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after police say he fired a gun toward another driver who he believed to be driving under the influence in Salt Lake City.

Peter M. Lyons, 57, is facing one count of third-degree felony road rage aggravated assault, according to court documents.

Investigators say Lyons was driving east on 2600 South near I-15 in Woods Cross just after 4 p.m. when he was allegedly “nearly struck” by the victim who was changing lanes. The victim has only been identified as a 32-year-old man.

“[Lyons] believed the victim was intoxicated and began following him,” investigators allege in court documents. “[Lyons] followed the victim south on I-15 to SR-201, from SR-201 to I-215 and continued following northbound until exiting onto 700 North.”

Salt Lake City Police said the victim was aware he was being followed by Lyons and called authorities saying he was concerned about being assaulted. Shortly after the call, the victim pulled into a parking lot near 400 North in Salt Lake City and stopped, reportedly causing Lyons to run into the back of his car.

Lyons told investigators the victim got out of his car holding a baseball bat. Lyons allegedly fired his gun in the victim’s direction saying he was also afraid of being assaulted by the victim with the bat.

Court documents state the victim got back into this car and drove to a nearby dead end, again followed by Lyons. Investigators say both men got out of their cars again but this time Lyons pointed his gun at the victim telling him to get on the ground. The victim fled the scene to a gas station located near the airport where he reportedly met with police.

Investigators with the Salt Lake City Police Department said the victim was not intoxicated and nothing resembling a baseball bat was found in his car. However, police did find an unopened can of beer in the victim’s car, which the victim said he purchased at a gas station in Woods Cross shortly before the incident began.

A public safety assessment revealed investigators believe Lyons to be at a low risk of committing any further crimes. He has been released from custody on the condition he does not commit any other criminal offenses, forfeits his firearm, avoids contact with the victim, and promises to appear for all required court hearings.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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