PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

June 14, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Arrests Man After 79-Year-Old Man Robbed While Walking

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man accused of randomly attacking and robbing a 79-year-old man during a morning walk.

Additionally, the SLCPD is providing tips to help keep community members safe.

This investigation started at 9:05 a.m., on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, when SLC911 took a call from a man reporting an assault near 180 West 1300 South.

Officers met with the man who reported being assaulted by 25-year-old Robert Liehr when the victim did not have any money to give.

Officers believe Liehr punched the man, causing him to fall on the ground and continued punching him several times in the face before stealing his money and credit cards.

Liehr ran off before officers arrived.

Paramedics took the man to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers developed information leading them to 100 South 300 East where they safely took Liehr into custody.

Officers booked Liehr into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one felony count of Aggravated Robbery.

Officers believe this is a random attack.

No further information about the victim is being released to include contact information.

As of Monday, June 12, 2023, all forms of robbery, city-wide, are down 10%.

Generally, most violent crimes are not random and are rather rooted in underlying conflicts such as personal conflicts, disputes, rivalries, or acts of revenge.

The Salt Lake City Police Department reminds community members of the following safety tips:

●       Always be aware of your surroundings.

●       Do not wear headphones or look at your cell phone when walking.

●       Stick to well lighted streets and well-populated areas.

●       Avoid shortcuts, alleys, and confined areas such as isolated parking lots and garages.

●       When possible, walk with another person or share your location with a family member or trusted friend.

●       Be conscious about carrying large amounts of money, jewelry, high-end clothing or wearing electronic devices.

●       Remember that money, electronics, and other items can be replaced, life cannot.

●       Never chase or follow after a suspect.

●       Find a safe location and call 9-1-1 immediately.

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.

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