A 26-year-old man is facing a long list of charges after police say he entered a neighbor’s property in Fairfield while intoxicated and began shooting at livestock, then destroyed a security camera that captured the incident.
Enrique Valdez was charged Tuesday in 4th District Court with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm by a restricted person, possession of a weapon with criminal intent, improper discharge of a firearm, property damage, marijuana possession, and public intoxication.
According to a police affidavit, the incident occurred on June 8 when Valdez allegedly walked onto the neighbor’s land without permission and fired in the direction of two cows, two horses, and over 10 goats. When the neighbor attempted to confront him using footage from a security camera, Valdez reportedly shot out the device.
Deputies from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office responded and surrounded the property, concerned that Valdez, believed to be intoxicated and armed, could pose a danger. He was found inside a trailer on the ranch and taken into custody without incident.
A search of the trailer revealed several alcohol containers, spent shell casings, and a small bag of marijuana. A breathalyzer test showed Valdez’s blood alcohol content was 0.157—more than triple the legal limit of 0.05 in Utah.
During questioning, Valdez admitted he had “messed up” and claimed he felt compelled to act because he believed the neighbor had killed his dog. He denied actually hitting any animals, but said he could have if he wanted to.
Authorities requested Valdez be held without bail, citing his undocumented status and history of deportation. According to police, he has a criminal record involving prior weapons, alcohol, and drug offenses.
No injuries to livestock were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
