SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Brandon Keith Thompson, 43, of Salt Lake County, is facing over nine years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident, which nearly turned deadly, unfolded in a Sandy, Utah parking lot in July 2021, as Thompson attempted to evade police after a reported shoplifting.
According to court documents, officers responded to a theft in progress and quickly identified Thompson as the suspect. When confronted, Thompson bolted, leading officers on a chase. After being stopped, Thompson didn’t hesitate to escalate the situation, aggressively grabbing for the officer’s holstered firearm. He pulled with such force that the weapon began to come free, creating an immediate threat.
A quick-thinking bystander intervened, rushing forward to help officers maintain control of the gun. Despite the combined efforts, Thompson continued to wrestle for the firearm, even managing to place his finger on the trigger. The weapon discharged while still partially within the holster, the bullet whizzing within inches of the bystander and the pursuing officers. It was a chaotic scene of near-miss disaster, averted only by the bravery of a civilian and the quick reactions of law enforcement.
“Thompson’s behavior threatened the lives of police officers and bystanders in a busy parking lot,” stated U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. Thompson’s actions weren’t just illegal; they were a blatant disregard for human life, turning a simple shoplifting arrest into a potentially fatal confrontation. This marks Thompson’s third federal conviction for unlawful firearm possession, a clear pattern of escalating criminal behavior.
The Sandy Police Department praised the work of the federal prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Clifford and Jennifer Muyskens, for securing the conviction. ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are fortunate and grateful this case was not deadly for the officer or other innocent bystanders.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Thompson was sentenced to 110 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegally armed felons and the dedication of those working to keep the streets safe.
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