PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

June 15, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

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SLCPD Liberty Bike Squad Recovers 4 Guns, Including Loaded Rifle, in 3 Days

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department’s bike squad assigned to the Liberty Patrol Division recently seized four firearms, including a loaded rifle, in three days.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department remains focused on disrupting the flow of illegally possessed firearms,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “With each seizure, we are sending a clear message that illegally possessed firearms will not be tolerated in our city. Overall crime in Salt Lake City is down nearly 18%. That is a testament to the great work of our officers and detectives who are focused on continuing to lower crime and to make sure Salt Lake City feels safe.”

On Sunday, June 11, 2023, as part of an enhanced patrol operation targeting violent crime around 60 West Market Street, officers stopped to talk with several people inside a car parked in a nearby parking lot. Officers saw someone in the car throw an empty beer can from the car.

Officers continued to watch the car and observed people drinking alcohol inside the car.

During the investigation, officers saw 21-year-old Robert Rucker in possession of a loaded rifle.

Officers safely detained everyone in the car and arrested Rucker.

Officers found marijuana and a handgun inside the car.

Officers took Rucker to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and charged him with Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Restricted Person and Possession of Marijuana.

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

A photo of the handgun seized is not available.

For more information on the SLCPD’s enhanced patrol operation conducted over the weekend, please click here.

1- A photo of a rifle and loaded magazine recovered by SLCPD officers (SLCPD photo | June 11, 2023).

The third gun recovered happened around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023, when the SLCPD’s Liberty Bike Squad stopped a car near 1300 South Main Street. During the investigation officers found the passenger, 39-year-old Ryan Griffin, had active felony warrants.

While officers verified the warrants, the passenger door suddenly opened, and Griffin tried running away from officers. Several officers quickly and safely arrested Griffin.

Officers found a small, loaded handgun inside the car.

Officers took Griffin to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and charged him with Possession of a Firearm by a Restricted Person, Failure to Stop at the Command of an Officer, and Resisting Arrest.

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

2- A photo of a handgun recovered by SLCPD officers (SLCPD photo | June 12, 2023).

The fourth gun recovered happened at 10:58 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, when the SLCPD’s Liberty Bike Squad contacted several people inside a parked car near 1500 South Main Street.

When officers ran the car’s information, they found it listed as being the suspect vehicle in a catalytic converter theft case.

The officers could see drug paraphernalia in the open. When they detained the people inside the car, they found that one of them had an outstanding warrant.

Officers searched the car and found a black handgun inside the car. Officers also found two cut catalytic converters inside the car.

Officers booked 36-year-old Ashley Cooledge into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on her outstanding warrant case.

This case remains under investigation and additional charges could be filed at a later time after consulting with prosecutors.

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

3- A photo of a handgun, loaded magazine, drug paraphernalia, and catalytic converter recovered by SLCPD officers (SLCPD photo | June 13, 2023).

The Salt Lake City Police Department is committed to seizing illegally possessed firearms. Doing so plays a critical role in helping to maintain community safety and helps to prevent future violence.

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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