PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

January 5, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Recover Gun, Knives, Illegal Drugs During Downtown Traffic Stop

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department arrested a 44-year-old man after recovering a gun, knives, and illegal drugs during a traffic stop in downtown.

“Our officers started 2023 off by doing what they do every day, helping to keep our communities safe,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Recovering these dangerous weapons, which were illegally possessed, and these illegal drugs helps reduce violent crime in Salt Lake City.”

This investigation started at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, when a Central Division Bike Squad officer stopped a car for a moving violation near 160 West 600 South.

While speaking with the driver, later identified as Rodney Austin, the officer could smell marijuana and see drug paraphernalia in the car.

During a records check, the officer learned Austin had a suspended driver license – making it illegal for him to be driving – and multiple warrants.

Officers safely took Austin into custody.

After searching the car, officers found a gun, two knives, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Officers booked Austin in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one count of Felony Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Restricted Person, two counts of Misdemeanor Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Restricted Person, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on Suspension, Failure to Signal, and multiple warrants.

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

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

A photo of the items recovered is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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