PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

DECEMBER 27, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

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SLCPD Patrol Officers Arrest Suspect in Two Robberies

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department have safely arrested a 33-year-old man who is accused of robbing two gas stations.

This investigation started at 6:52 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, when Salt Lake City Police officers received information about an armed robbery that just occurred near 300 West 2100 South.

Officers learned the suspect walked into the convenience store, put a note on the counter, said he had a gun, and demanded money from the cash register.

The suspect left the store with the money. No one was physically hurt.

At 8:19 p.m., officers received information about a second robbery that had just occurred near 400 West 500 South. Officers determined the suspect involved in the second robbery was also responsible for the first robbery at 300 West 2100 South.

Officers began checking the area, located the suspect and took him into custody near 300 South Main Street.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Crime Lab responded to process the scene for photos.

The suspect is identified as Jason Blanton.

During their investigation, officers found Blanton in possession of drugs.

Officers booked Blanton into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

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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