PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

February 6, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Recover Two Guns During Aggravated Assault Investigation

SALT LAKE CITY — This morning, officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division safely arrested a 31-year-old man who threatened another person during a road rage incident with a gun.

“The patrol officers on this call need to be recognized for the phenomenal job they did on this case,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Reducing gun violence is at the forefront of our police department, and this case highlights the great police work of our officers who have a deep commitment to the safety of our community.”

This investigation started at 3:07 a.m., on Monday, February 6, 2023, when SLC911 took a call from a man reporting a white car following him near 800 West North Temple Street.

While responding, officers learned a passenger in the white car, later identified as Mitchell Motta, threatened the victim with a gun.

Officers spotted the car nearby and called for additional resources before stopping it.

Officer safely took three people in the white car into custody.

During the investigation, officers recovered a handgun and rifle from the backseat where Motta sat.

Officers took Motta to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and booked him on one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Restricted Person.

Officers also booked the driver, 35-year-old Robert Kimsey, into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on outstanding warrants.

Officers released the third person.

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

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

Photos of the two guns recovered are being released. Media may use these photos with proper credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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