MURRAY — A man who allegedly told police he had intentions of killing another man who was treated at a local hospital for multiple stab wounds has been arrested.
Javier Rafael Pedregon-Magana, 24, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of attempted aggravated murder, aggravated assault resulting in serious injury, aggravated assault, making a threat of violence, failing to stop at the command of police and unauthorized use of someone else’s car for an extended time.
At about 10:35 p.m. on Wednesday, the Utah Highway Patrol was notified of a fight on I-15 near 2900 South. Troopers arrived to find a man walking southbound on the right shoulder.
“He was disoriented and bleeding heavily from his right arm and shoulder from lacerations,” according to a police booking affidavit. “The victim struggled to remain conscious … The victim had seven stab wounds/lacerations near and on his right arm.”
One witness called 911 to report a car allegedly tried to run the man over after he got out of the vehicle, the affidavit states. While at a local hospital, troopers obtained evidence about the alleged attacker’s identity “and that he was driving the victim’s vehicle,” according to the affidavit.
Troopers also received information from West Jordan police that Pedregon-Magana “was returning to his apartment to get a gun and ‘finish the job,'” according to the affidavit.
At about 1:40 a.m. on Thursday, Murray police received information that a vehicle was circling the hospital where the victim was taken and Pedregon-Magana was in the vehicle, the affidavit states.
UHP troopers spotted the vehicle near 4700 South and Redwood Road and attempted to pull it over, but the vehicle sped off. Troopers eventually “pinned the vehicle and performed a high-risk stop with multiple other troopers” near 1300 West and 4000 South, according to the affidavit.
Pedregon-Magana allegedly told troopers he “was playing a part in a prior plan to kill the victim,” the affidavit states.
Information regarding a possible motive for the alleged murder plot or if anyone else was involved was not immediately available. Investigators say Pedregon-Magana has known gang affiliation.
