PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

March 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Airport Officers Coordinate Safe Arrest of Serial Theft Suspect

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, officers assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Airport Division quickly and safely coordinated the arrest of a 30-year-old man traveling through Salt Lake City International Airport who is accused of stealing nearly $4,100 from the “Salt Lake City Dufry Shopping” store.

This investigation started on February 15, 2023, when a man walked into the duty-free store in the A concourse and stole seven boxes of perfume. Store employees valued the loss at approximately $1,250. Officers reviewed surveillance video and started an investigation.

On March 14, 2023, the same man stole 13 boxes of perfume and a pair of sunglasses. Store employees valued the loss at approximately $2,000.

On March 26, 2023, the same man stole seven boxes of fragrance for women and men. Store employees valued the loss at approximately $900.

During the investigation, airport police officers identified the suspect as Alai H. Harb.

In all three alleged thefts, officers determined Harb was a ticketed and confirmed airline passenger.

On March 28, 2023, officers received information that Harb would be traveling through the airport. Officers with the SLCPD’s Airport Division quickly coordinated an arrest plan and safely took Harb into custody without incident or disruption to airport operations.

At the time of arrest, officers found Harb in possession of a prescription pill bottle in the name of someone else. The pills inside the container also did not match the prescription label.

The SLCPD’s full-time detective assigned to the Salt Lake City International Airport – who is also an FBI Task Force agent – is conducting investigative follow-up, which includes working with other airports to see if Harb is responsible for any crimes in other jurisdictions.

Due to Harb’s criminal history, he was eligible for theft enhancements under Utah state law. Officers booked him into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one count of Felony Retail Theft, two counts of Felony Retail Theft, one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule I/II/Analog, and multiple warrants.

No photos are available.

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.

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