Vernal Man Held On Felony Weapon Violation

A Vernal man is being held on a felony weapon violation. According to the Probable Cause Statement, on September 19, 2026, in Uintah County, Caleb Abney was located at approximately 1500 West US-40 in Vernal after a report that three suspects had left Walmart on foot after stuffing merchandise under their shirts and into a backpack. Assisting officers located three individuals matching that description. Due to the report that merchandise had been concealed under clothing, an assisting officer performed a pat-down of the male, later identified as 30-year-old Caleb James Abney by his Utah driver license. During the pat-down, the officer felt what Abney confirmed to be a firearm. A black Phoenix Arms .22 pistol was removed from his person and secured in a patrol vehicle. A criminal-history check run through Dispatch returned multiple felony convictions making Abney a Category II restricted person not to be in possession of any firearm. He is charged with 3rd Degree Felony Prohibited Dangerous Weapon Conduct.