Man arrested after selling drugs at popular SLC park ‘to make ends meet’

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Two people were arrested and several drugs were confiscated after community members reported seeing fights, drug activity, and lewd behavior at Liberty Park on Sunday.

Colton McShane, 22, was arrested on suspicion of felony drug obstruction, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a restricted person, the Salt Lake City Police Department said.

An additional man, who police said is 30 years old, was also arrested but he was released pending the screening of charges with the district attorney’s office.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, McShane was seen conducting several hand-to-hand drug transactions at Liberty Park on Sunday. Officers said they were able to stop a subject who purchased drugs from him, and he allegedly told the officers the cannabis he had came from McShane.

Officers took McShane into custody, where he was found to have a large amount of marijuana, individually packaged methamphetamine, a large amount of psilocybin mushrooms, a folding knife, and a digital scale.

McShane reportedly told officers he sold marijuana to “make ends meet,” and typically goes to Liberty Park on Sundays to do so. He also allegedly stated he is a drug user himself.

McShane was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on the previously mentioned charges.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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