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WEST VALLEY CITY — A man who was arrested after a Wednesday shooting near a Smith’s grocery store told police he almost dropped his gun and it went off, according to an arrest report.
However, the victims in the shooting, as well as several witnesses at the scene, told police the man stood at the entrance of the store, pointed the gun inside and fired.
Rufino Cervantez, 36, was arrested Wednesday for investigation of multiple counts of aggravated assault, felony discharge of a firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, according to the report.
Cervantez was arrested after the shooting, which took place about 1:47 p.m. Wednesday near the Smith’s at 4065 S. Redwood Road. A 3-year-old girl and two adult women had minor leg wounds after the shooting.
Cervantez fled the scene after the shooting and was arrested at the Shadowbrook Apartments near 3852 S. 1845 West about 4:18 p.m., according to the arrest report.
He had injuries before he was arrested and was transported away from the scene in an ambulance.
In an interview with police, Cervantez said a bullet from the gun went through his thigh after he almost dropped the gun and it discharged.
Cervantez’s criminal history is “substantial,” according to the arrest report. That history includes multiple felony convictions, which prevented Cervantez from legally owning a firearm.
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Jacob Klopfenstein
