PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

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

SLCPD Officers, Motor Squad Arrest 9 People for DUI

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department have arrested nine people accused of driving under the influence (DUI).

The arrests occurred between 12 a.m. Sunday, November 3, 2024, and 7 a.m. Sunday, November 10, 2024.  Additional cases may be identified as officers’ reports are processed.

“Impaired driving is incredibly dangerous, and the numbers we see here only tell a fraction of the story,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “Whether impaired by alcohol or drugs, there is simply no excuse for endangering the lives of our community. Our message is simple—just don’t drive impaired. We’re fortunate the recent cases we’re highlighting today didn’t result in serious injuries or death. Keeping our roads safe is a top priority, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws.”

In one of the cases, officers arrested a 27-year-old woman who crashed her car into a house, causing damage to both the house and car.

That investigation began at 2:07 a.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024, when SLC911 received reports about a crash near 1800 West 900 North.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the 27-year-old is accused of operating her car while impaired, losing control, and crashing into an occupied house.

The homeowner told officers that the crash damaged the home’s foundation and broke out at least one window. No one inside the home was injured.

Officers on scene also observed damage to the curb, a tree, a fence, and the grass.

Officers booked the driver into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges that include DUI and other vehicle-related offenses.

In another, unrelated, DUI case, officers responded to a traffic crash at 12:46 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, near 1^st Avenue and A Street. When an SLCPD officer arrived, a community member pointed out a car leaving the scene.

When the officer stopped the 57-year-old man, the officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from him.

The officer asked for the man’s driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The man struggled to provide his driver’s license and instead – kept handing the officer a service invoice.

Officers requested the assistance of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Motor Squad.

During the investigation, officers found an open container of box wine in the passenger footwell.

Officers booked the 57-year-old man into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges that include DUI – with two or more offenses in the past 10 years, having an open container, driving on a suspended license, hit and run, and other vehicle-related offenses.

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 Salt Lake City Police Department’s Motor Squad, established in 1909, is one of the oldest in the nation and is key to maintaining road safety. This highly trained unit focuses on traffic enforcement, DUI investigations, and event coordination, including dignitary escorts and traffic control at large events. Officers receive extensive training in motorcycle safety, impaired driving investigation, and drug recognition. To join, officers complete a rigorous two-week program with over 100 hours of motorcycle training. The Motor Squad also supports funerals, parades, and honor guard duties, enhancing safety and community engagement.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

A photo from the Sunday, November 10, 2024, DUI investigation is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Photo: Salt Lake City Police investigate a car that crashed into a home after the driver, suspected of being impaired, lost control. The Utah license plate number has been redacted (SLCPD photo – November 10, 2024).

###