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Man stuck in canal fires gun to attract help

Posted at 4:01 PM, Mar 27, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-27 19:15:05-04

WEST JORDAN, Utah — Police said a man who rolled his vehicle into a canal and couldn’t get out resorted to firing his gun in order to get help.

Sgt. Dan Roberts, West Jordan Police Department, said the man crashed into a canal near 1700 West Cold Lane in West Jordan around midnight. Police said the canal was shallow, but the vehicle was on its side.

Roberts said the man resorted to shooting after he had been trapped for some time.

“The driver said he had been there for well over a half an hour and was concerned he’d not be able to get out, and he used his firearm to shoot a couple holes in the windshield to try to attract attention from the neighbors.”

Roberts said officers responded after neighbors reported the shots. The West Jordan Fire Department was called, and they helped the man get out of the canal. The man was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Roberts said they suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

Roberts said the man may several charges following the incident, which is still being investigated. Roberts said there were no injuries reported beyond those sustained by the man, and the bullets appeared to have been fired into the water.