PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

May 29, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Officers Recover Gun, Extended Magazine in Traffic Stop

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department safely recovered a loaded handgun and two loaded magazines during a traffic stop.

This investigation started at 7:12 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, when a community member called 9-1-1 after someone flashed a gun at her and her partner in the 400-block of North Pamela Way.

Officers responded, formulated a plan to safely contact the suspects, and conducted a high-hazard traffic stop.

Officers safely arrested 26-year-old Hilmar Tlasmanteco. During the investigation officers found Tlasmanteco in possession of a loaded handgun with an extended ammunition magazine.

The victim told officers Tlasmanteco pulled out his gun and started swinging it back-and-forth while pointing it at her and her partner.

Neither of the two victims were physically hurt.

Officers also arrested 20-year-old Alex Tlasmanteco after they found him in possession of a knife and a second loaded ammunition magazine.

Hilmar Tlasmanteco is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm by a restricted person.

Alex Tlasmanteco is charged with one count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and one count of being a minor consuming alcohol.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit assisted patrol officers with this investigation.

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’s Gang Unit is responsible for investigating gang-related crimes that occur within the city’s jurisdiction. The unit consists of highly trained uniformed officers and detectives who work collaboratively with patrol divisions and other specialty squads within the SLCPD to gather information and focus on preventing gang and gun violence through education, prevention, and enforcement.

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 handgun recovered by officers is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

1 – A photo of a black Glock 9mm handgun secured by officers during a traffic stop (SLCPD photo | May 27, 2023).

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