CEDAR CITY — A man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly discharging a rifle because he allegedly believed two people were stealing his firewood at a campground in Iron County.
James M. Sundlie, 62, was booked into Iron County Jail just before 2 a.m. Sunday on suspicion of multiple charges, including two third-degree felony counts of aggravated assault, plus misdemeanor counts of illegal discharge of a firearm, intoxication, use of a dangerous weapon in a fight and carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The charges stem from an incident that was reported shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday at the Yankee Meadows campground, located several miles up the canyon southeast of Parowan.
According to the probable cause statement filed in support of Sundlie’s arrest, Iron County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the campground at approximately 8:53 p.m.
“The victims informed dispatch they went to collect firewood from what they thought was an abandoned camp,” the affidavit states. “Sundlie exited his camp trailer and yelled they were going to ‘catch a bullet’ for stealing his wood. Approximately 30 minutes later Sundlie discharged one round from a rifle in their direction.”
Responding law enforcement officers then surrounded the trailer at Sundlie’s campsite and ordered him to exit the trailer with his hands visible.
According to the affidavit, Sundlie was verbally abusive upon exiting the trailer and reportedly told law enforcement to shoot him.
“A crisis negotiator with Utah Highway Patrol was able to talk Sundlie into complying and Sundlie was taken into custody without incident,” the statement adds.
After being advised of his rights, Sundlie was then questioned about the incident.
“Sundlie advised he observed (that) the victims attempted to steal his firewood,” the arresting deputy wrote in the affidavit. “Sundlie responded by exiting his trailer and yelling at them, then discharging a single round from his rifle towards the mountain.”
The arresting officer also wrote that he could smell alcohol on Sundlie’s breath and observed him swaying while walking and slurring his speech. Sundlie’s eyes appeared to be watery and bloodshot, the officer added.
After first being taken to Cedar City Hospital for medical clearance, Sundlie was then transported to Iron County Jail, where he is being held without bail. His next scheduled court appearance is a status of counsel and detention review hearing on Monday, Sept. 18, before 5th District Judge Matthew L. Bell.
This report is based on statements from court documents and law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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