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SALT LAKE CITY — A couple who police say caused panic in three downtown Salt Lake businesses by brandishing a realistic-looking gun are now facing multiple criminal charges.
Jose Vasquez-Chirinos, 53, and Sophia Dewey, 39, were charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary, first-degree felonies. Vasquez-Chirinos was also charged with an additional two counts of aggravated assault and criminal mischief, third-degree felonies.
Police say Vasquez-Chirinos and Dewey went to three businesses in Salt Lake City in succession Thursday and threatened people or stole items from each.
At Johnny's On Second, 165 E. 200 South, Vasquez-Chirinos attempted to order a drink but handed the bartender an identification card that was in two pieces. When the bartender told him he needed to have an ID that was intact, Vasquez-Chirinos "became extremely agitated and demanded to see the law in writing. (The bartender) stated she told Vasquez and Dewey that she didn't have the law in writing, and provided them with a glass of water" and then told them they needed to leave, according to charging documents.
As Vasquez-Chirinos "became increasingly agitated," witnesses told police he intentionally poured someone else's beer on a laptop. He then continued to be verbally combative and when several bar patrons tried to help the bartender kick him out, "Vasquez reached into his backpack and retrieved a black handgun" and then "pointed it directly at (the bartender's) head and other patrons while screaming incoherent statements," according to the charges. He then picked up a pool ball and threw it on the floor.
At Abyss Body Piercing, 245 E. 300 South, Vasquez-Chirinos and Dewey attempted to enter but were told the business was closed for lunch. That's when "Vasquez pushed and tackled (an employee) into the business" and "pulled out a gun from the back of his pants and pointed it at her stating, 'Are you trying to get shot?'" according to charging documents.
At a Maverik convenience store, 185 S. State, Vasquez-Chirinos and Dewey walked into the store and took several food and beverage items and walked out without paying for them, the charges state. When the store clerk got on the phone to call 911, Vasquez-Chirinos allegedly pulled out his gun and is seen on surveillance video "making a cocking motion, and pointing it through the glass towards (the clerk)."
Both Vasquez-Chirinos and Dewey were arrested a short distance from the Maverik by Salt Lake police and an airsoft gun was recovered.
