SLCPD Arrest Man Brandishing Realistic-Looking Toy Pistol

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department safely arrested a 26-year-old man after he allegedly used a realistic-looking toy pistol downtown.

This investigation started at 8:24 a.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022, after SLC911 received reports of a man pointing a gun at cars driving through the area of 400 South West Temple Street.

Patrol officers, already in the area on an unrelated call, quickly responded and formulated a plan to safely take the man, later identified as Magalay Buwa, into custody. Officers also safely recovered the item Buwa was allegedly pointing at cars. Officers determined the weapon to be a realistic-looking toy pistol.

Salt Lake City Police spokesperson Detective Michael Ruff said:

“Any time someone is pointing a gun at community members it is obviously a dangerous situation. In this incident, our officers quickly put their training into action, which led to a safe resolution. This is just one example of the work our officers do each day to keep our community safe.”

Officers transported Buwa to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail where he was booked on charges of Threat-Use of Dangerous Weapon and Disorderly Conduct.

A photo of the realistic-looking pistol is being released.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

No additional information on this case is being released at this time.

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