Police: Drunken Utah man knocks over Christmas tree, fires 15 rounds


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FRANCIS, Summit County — A Summit County man was arrested over the weekend after police say he fired 15 rounds at two people inside a home where he was staying.

Randal Weed Dickinson, 56, of Francis, "was highly intoxicated … and fell onto the Christmas tree while attempting to cross the living room" in the residence where he was staying Sunday afternoon, located near the intersection of state Route 32 and state Route 35 in Francis, according to Summit County authorities.

The homeowner helped Dickinson to his room to "sleep it off," according to the county jail report. But just as the homeowner, 58, and his son, 33, were walking through the kitchen, Dickinson came out of his room and began shooting in their direction, said Summit County Sheriff's Lt. Andrew Wright.

He fired "15 times at the homeowner and his son. The bullets penetrated cabinets, counters, appliances and walls," the report states.

Amazingly, no one was hit.

"It was just their lucky day," Wright said. "We believe they're truly lucky they didn't get hit by 15 rounds."

Once Dickinson emptied his magazine, the homeowner and son tackled him and held him down until police arrived, he said. He was arrested for investigation of two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of shooting in the direction of a person, intoxication, criminal mischief and carrying a weapon while under the influence of alcohol.

In 2016, Dickinson was convicted of an amended charge of attempted aggravated assault and intoxication for a confrontation with another man, according to court records. He was also convicted of aggravated assault and unlawful detention in 2007.

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Pat Reavy is a longtime police and courts reporter. He joined the KSL.com team in 2021, after many years of reporting at the Deseret News and KSL NewsRadio before that.

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