Alleged pay dispute leads to shooting, charges in Sanpete County

FAYETTE, Sanpete County — A 61-year-old man who police say was highly intoxicated was arrested in Sanpete County over the weekend and accused of shooting at another person over an alleged pay dispute.

Mario Almanza Valencia, of Mt. Pleasant, was charged Monday in 6th District Court with attempted murder, a first-degree felony; obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony; discharge of a firearm, a third-degree felony; two counts of drug possession, one class A and one class B misdemeanor; refusing a chemical test, carrying a weapon while under the influence and using drug paraphernalia, class B misdemeanors; and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, a class C misdemeanor.

Friday night, Sanpete County sheriff's deputies responded to a report that Valencia was "shooting at some individuals in Fayette. Multiple witnesses observed this as well as neighbors hearing it and calling 911," a police booking affidavit states.

Witnesses told deputies that Valencia had confronted "someone about a debt" and "appeared (to be) under the influence," according to the affidavit.

"When (the) debt was not paid in full, Mario pulled out a firearm and fired shots. Neither struck the victim as he ducked. Mario then stopped and fired more rounds from the vehicle," the affidavit states. "Upon further interview with the witnesses, Mario intentionally and knowingly pointed a … .22 caliber rifle at the victim's head and pulled the trigger several times.

"(He) attempted to shoot someone over not being paid. Many people were around when he was firing his weapon," the affidavit continued.

Deputies began searching the area for Valencia and found him inside his vehicle that had a flat tire.

"During arrest, officers observed (an) odor of alcoholic beverage and marijuana. ... Mario also stumbled, had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Mario also failed to obey commands and was noncompliant," police wrote in their affidavit.

Valencia's son told investigators that when he talked to his dad on the phone shortly after the shooting, "he knew his dad was under the influence due to him slurring (his) speech so bad that he could not understand his father when he called," according to the affidavit.

Valencia was arrested and booked into the Sanpete County Jail.

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