Utah receiver charged with damaging police car, vehicle

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Suspended Utah receiver Cory Butler-Byrd was charged Tuesday with criminal mischief after authorities say he damaged a university police patrol car and building last month.

Police said in court documents filed Tuesday that officers at the university on July 27 heard a loud pop and the sound of glass breaking outside the campus police office, where they found Butler-Byrd readying to throw a large white sign. A window to the building was broken and a nearby patrol car had a smashed rear windshield and dented roof.

The senior told police he damaged the car and building by throwing a piece of wood through a window. Surveillance video showed the car was damaged by someone jumping on top of the roof.

Court documents did not offer any explanation for the damage and a message left with police was not returned.

Butler-Byrd does not have a listed number or attorney to comment on his behalf.

Coach Kyle Whittingham announced last week that Butler-Byrd was indefinitely suspended for personal issues but did not offer further details.

Butler-Byrd, who transferred to Utah from Los Angeles Harbor College last year, remains on scholarship but will not participate in team activities while he's suspended.

Whittingham said in a brief statement Tuesday that Butler-Byrd's status had not changed.

The Salt Lake Tribune first reported the charge Tuesday.