Above: Nicholas Utne booking photo | Redding PD
A Shasta County man was arrested in late December for the alleged negligent discharge of a firearm, according to police.
36-year-old Nicholas Utne of Redding was arrested after being identified as the primary suspect in an alleged shooting on the morning of Monday, December 27. Utne and an acquaintance had been walking together behind an apartment complex on Center Street when an altercation between the two broke out, which escalated to Utne allegedly chasing and firing several rounds at the victim, police said.
No injuries were reported, but several rounds struck a nearby structure.
Investigators later served a search warrant at Utne’s home on Thursday, December 30, where they arrested him without incident. During the search, investigators reportedly found and seized numerous firearms, including an illegal assault rifle. Investigators also noticed signs of recent methamphetamine use, according to police.
Utne was ultimately booked at the Shasta County Jail on suspicion of shooting in a grossly negligent manner, possession of an illegal assault weapon, and possession of firearms by a felon and drug addict.
