PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

March 10, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com 

SLCPD Arrests Two for Crimes at Several Downtown Businesses

SALT LAKE CITY — Yesterday, patrol and bike officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department arrested a 53-year-old man and 39-year-old woman for crimes committed in several downtown businesses.

“I am proud of the officers who responded to this situation, gathered as much information in order to find and safely take these two people into custody”, said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “Fortunately, no one was hurt during this blatant disregard for our community’s safety.”

This investigation began at 3:35 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023, when a man and woman tried to enter a piercing parlor near 250 East 300 South. After banging on a locked door, an employee opened the door to tell the pair the business was closed. The man, later identified as Jose Vasquez, pushed the employee and walked inside with the woman, later identified as Sophia Dewey. It is alleged Vasquez took out a gun and pointed it at the employee before running from the store with Dewey.

A few minutes later, Vasquez and Dewey walked into a bar near 160 East 200 South. Vasquez tried to buy a drink, but employees refused to serve him. Vasquez poured a beer on a computer and then pointed a gun at two people before walking out of the bar with Dewey.

Shortly after leaving the bar, the couple walked into a store near 200 South State Street. Once inside, Vasquez grabbed a beer and tried to leave without paying. The employee told the couple to stop and picked up the phone to call the police. Vasquez pointed his gun at the clerk through the window as he and Dewey walked away.

Responding officers located Vasquez and Dewey walking near 150 South State Street. Vasquez eventually dropped the gun and was safely arrested. Dewey tried to walk away but was ultimately arrested.

Officers booked Vasquez into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault and felony Criminal Mischief.

Officers booked Dewey into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of Trespassing, Failure to Stop at Command of a Law Enforcement Officer, Interference with an Arresting Officer as well as outstanding warrants.

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

Due to the alleged violence and use of a gun in this situation, detectives will consider whether it is appropriate to file charges in state or federal court to maximize prosecution efforts.

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.

There is no other information available for release.

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