After attempting to break into a clothing store, the suspect turns himself in at the county jail

By Travis Uresk

4-7-25

| Vernal, Ut. | April 6th, 2025 |

Vernal City Police Officer Maughan received a call from dispatch to check Mr. S clothing store. A male was in the Uintah County Jail parking lot, wanting to turn himself in for attempting to break into the store.

When the officer arrived at the store, he noticed a large rock in front of the door with multiple deep scrapes in the glass.

The officer left the store and drove to the jail to meet with the male suspect, who was identified as 32-year-old Dakota Michael Melton.

Dakota was advised of his Miranda Rights and asked what had occurred at the store. Dakota told the officer that he smashed out a window to try to break into the clothing store. Dakota tried to break the window to get inside the store to take the money. He added that he didn't go inside the store because he felt bad, so he went to the jail to turn himself in.

Officer Maughan asked Dakota what he used to try and break the glass, and he said he used a rock.

Dakota Melton was arrested on the following offenses:

Attempted burglary of a building: Dakota used a rock to break into the store and commit theft. Property damage: Dakota intentionally damaged the store's door. Dakota was then taken to jail and booked on the charges.

Dakota Michael Melton may post bail in the amount of $500.00

All the articles from 1nationjustice.com are from the affidavits of probable cause reports that the officers write. If you would like, you can get a copy of the report from the website below. It does cost money to get on the site and to open every document you want to read.

https://pubapps.utcourts.gov/XchangeWEB/XchangeWebServlet