PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

August 1, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

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SLCPD Arrests a Man Accused of Illegally Possessing a Gun and Drug Paraphernalia

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Bike Squad safely arrested a 35-year-old man who is accused of being in illegal possession of a gun and drug paraphernalia along the Jordan River Trail.

The suspect in this case is identified as Tyler Rangel.

This investigation started at 8:48 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, when officers stopped Rangel at Jordan River Trail near 1200 West and North Temple Street, while riding their bikes.

Based on the preliminary information, officers saw Rangel with drug paraphernalia in his hand. While investigating, officers found a gun.

In October 2023, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division began increased enforcement along the Jordan River Trail and in communities along the trail to address and prevent criminal activity.

SLCPD officers conducted daily patrols and will continue doing more patrols along the Jordan River Trail to disrupt criminal activity.

Weekly strategy meetings with law enforcement and other stakeholders continue.

Officers took Rangel to Salt Lake County Jail and booked him for being in unlawful possession of a firearm by a restricted person and being in unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

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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