PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

November 15, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Hazardous Devices Unit Investigate Suspicious Item at University of Utah Hospital

SALT LAKE CITY — Tonight, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) confirmed an unattended and suspicious backpack found abandoned inside the University of Utah Hospital did not pose any threat.

The SLCPD’s investigation started at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, when the University of Utah Police Department requested the help of the Salt Lake City Police Department to investigate an unattended backpack found inside the University of Utah Hospital, located at 50 North Medical Drive.

As previously released by the University of Utah Health, a University of Utah bomb-sniffing dog “alerted” to the backpack, indicating a possible hazard. Out of an abundance of caution, hospital staff and the University of Utah Police Department secured the area and took additional safety protocols.

A University of Utah Police Department incident commander requested the assistance of the SLCPD HDU to investigate the suspicious item.

At approximately 6:45 p.m. the SLCPD HDU used x-ray technology to determine the backpack did not pose a threat.

Any other updates on this case, if appropriate, will be released by the University of Utah.

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, SLCPD members of the HDU provide training and support to law enforcement throughout Utah and the country.

Several photos from the scene are being released.

PIOs from the SLCPD and University of Utah Health responded to the scene and provided the community with regular updates.

There is no other information available for release.

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