SLCPD Arrest Burglary Suspect Armed with Axe

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department arrested a 36-year-old man suspected of unlawfully entering a business and stealing merchandise.

This investigation began at 5:03 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022, when SLC911 received a report of a man armed with an axe, breaking into a business, located in the area of 450 South 500 East, and stealing merchandise. When confronted by a store employee, the man, later identified as William Montero, ran away.

Responding officers quickly located Montero in the parking lot of a nearby business. Montero continued running from officers but then turned toward them, displaying the axe in a threatening manner while refusing to comply with officers’ commands to peacefully surrender.

Because of Montero’s refusal to comply, officers deployed a Taser to effectively and safely take him into custody.

There were no injuries to Montero, officers, or store employees.

Officers recovered several hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise belonging to the business.

Once medically cleared, officers transported Montero to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail where he was booked on charges of: Aggravated Burglary, Theft, Failure to Stop at the Command of a Police Officer, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Criminal Mischief, False Information to a Police Officer, Interference with a Police Officer, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of a Weapon by a Restricted Person.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

There is no other information about this case to release at this time.

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