ST. GEORGE — Police officers responded to an incident alleged to involved a firearm Monday evening in the Bloomington Hills area that turned out to be the result of an intoxicated argument.
Around 5:30 p.m., police were alerted to a possible weapon offense involving a pistol in an area off Tamarisk Drive, St. George Police Lt. Johnny Heppler said.
Due to the nature of the incident, multiple officers responded to the alleged firearm incident and startled some neighborhood residents while doing so.
One area resident told St. George News the presence of officers made her anxious due to them being armed with “big guns” while also noting that her child plays in the area where the police had gathered.
Given the unpredictable nature of certain calls, particularly where firearms may be involved, police respond in a “better safe than sorry” manner, which is a sentiment that Heppler and other officers who have previously spoken with St. George have echoed.
While the police presence may have proven somewhat unnerving to bystanders, officers continued to investigate the scene and discovered they hadn’t responded to a weapon offense call as much as an argument between two drunk people.
There was no evidence supporting the allegation of a handgun, Heppler said, adding he was grateful the call was a false alarm versus the alternative.
No citations were issued and the police left the area.
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