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SLCPD Investigating Bank Robbery, Suspicious Bag

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is investigating a bank robbery and a suspicious bag, prompting the response of detectives and the SLCPD’s Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU).

This investigation started at 1:42 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, when SLC911 received reports of a panic alarm at a credit union near 200 East 800 South. As officers responded, SLC911 received a 9-1-1 call from within the credit union.

Officers arrived on scene and safely took the suspect into custody after briefly negotiating with him outside.

During the investigation, officers found a bag on the ground.

The on-duty incident commander requested the assistance of the SLCPD’s Hazardous Devices Unit due to the suspicious circumstances.

Members with the HDU will conduct an assessment to determine if the bag poses any threat and will work to render it safe.

In addition to the credit union, employees at the Salt Lake Arts Academy safely evacuated, out of an abundance of caution. One other business has been asked to shelter-in-place for the time being.

No other evacuations have been ordered.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

A SLCPD PIO is on scene.

Media staging is in the southwest corner of 900 South and 200 East.

Photos and updates on this incident are being provided on the SLCPD’s Twitter page.

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.

The HDU is a statewide coalition of law enforcement members who receive specialized training and certification in explosive device assessment, operations, mitigation, and removal. The HDU receives year-round training using national best practices. Additionally, the SLCPD members of the HDU provide training and support to law enforcement throughout Utah and the country.

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