PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

September 12, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Hazardous Devices Unit Renders Safe Unattended Bag Near SLC Library

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) rendered safe an unattended bag as part of a bomb threat investigation.

This investigation started at 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday September 12, 2022, when SLC911 received information from the Salt Lake City Public Library System that they had received a bomb threat.

The threat did not identify a specific library. Out an of abundance of caution, employees at SLC libraries started checking their locations.

At 5:01 p.m., as part of those routine checks, employees at the Sprague Branch library, located at 2131 South 1100 East, found an unattended bag outside the building.

Members of the SLCPD HDU responded and utilized all available technology and resources, including robots, a drone, and x-ray technology to ensure community safety and rendered the bag safe.

There was no threat to the public and no explosives were found.

All street closures were lifted at approximately 9 p.m. on September 12, 2022.

During the investigation, officers requested three businesses to close and evacuate. Additionally, officers closed Highland Drive in between 2100 South and Wilmington Avenue.

The render safe process is a systematic procedure performed by a bomb technician to ensure if a package/item or device, which may contain an explosive, is secure and safe from exploding.

As part of this call for service, officers from SLCPD’s Airport Division responded with bomb detecting police K9s.

Additionally, members of the Salt Lake City Fire Department and Gold Cross responded in case emergency medical care was needed.

The HDU is a statewide coalition of law enforcement members who receive specialized training and certification in explosive device assessment, operations, mitigation, and removal. The HDU receives year-round training using national best practices. Additionally, the SLCPD members of the HDU provide training and support to law enforcement throughout Utah and the country.

Several photos from the incident are being released.

A SLCPD PIO responded to the scene.

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