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OREM — A Provo man has been arrested and accused of shooting at another man's car while driving, possibly because of a drug debt.
Nicolas Sierra Vera, 49, was booked into the Utah County Jail on Sunday for investigation of attempted murder, three counts of discharge of a firearm, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, and DUI.
About 10:30 a.m. Sunday, a man said he left his residence in Provo when a truck driven by Vera pulled in front of him. "The victim said there had previously been a drug debt he owed to (Vera)," according to a police booking affidavit.
The man said he went from Center Street to Lakeview Parkway and Geneva Road. A short time later, he heard a gunshot.
"He looked in the mirror and saw Nicolas holding a gun out the driver's side window. He saw Nicolas fire a second shot at his vehicle. Nicolas fired a third shot at the victim. The third shot was fired prior to the University Parkway intersection with Geneva Road," the affidavit states.
The victim the drove to a nearby gas station and called 911.
"The victim's truck was found to have a bullet hole in the tailgate just above the handle. The bullet traveled through the tailgate and struck the frame of a generator. The slug was also found later in the bed of the truck," according to the affidavit.
Orem police said they went to Vera's residence and arrested him as he returned home.
"Nicolas showed a complete disregard for the safety of others. He fired multiple shots in a reckless manner attempting to kill the victim. He also gave no regard to others who might be in the area as he is shooting. When asked about his drug use, Nicolas said he will use 'anything that will kill me,'" according to the arrest report.
Police also determined Vera was impaired, possibly from using methamphetamine, while he was driving, the affidavit says.
