SLCPD Pioneer Patrol Officers Arrest Man Accused of Possessing Stolen Firearm
January 23, 2025SLCPD Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage Following OICI Protocol Activation
January 24, 2025 |
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SLCPD Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) Arrest Man on Probation, Firearm and Drugs SeizedSALT LAKE CITY — Detectives with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s (SLCPD) Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) safely arrested a 24-year-old man as part of their ongoing efforts to combat illegal drugs and firearms in the city. “This is yet another example of our officers working to protect our city,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “Our officers are doing everything they can to keep our city safe, especially when these suspects, including repeat and already convicted offenders, are accused of endangering our community using illegal drugs and firearms.” This investigation started at 11:37 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, when VCAT detectives conducted a traffic stop near 400 West North Temple Street. When detectives contacted the driver, they identified him as Cesar Carranza. Carranza is on probation. When Carranza opened his glovebox, officers saw what appeared to be a firearm inside. Detectives also noticed a strong smell of burnt marijuana coming from inside Carranza’s car. During the investigation, detectives confirmed the firearm in the glovebox to be a real gun and found a dab pen as well as other drug paraphernalia, including a glass pipe and multiple lighters. Because Carranza is currently on probation for a prior domestic violence conviction, he is prohibited from being in possession of a firearm. Detectives booked Carranza into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm as a restricted person, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and 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. The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) is a specialized unit within the Salt Lake City Police Department focused on reducing violent crime by identifying and arresting violent criminals and fugitives. Operating under the Special Operations Division, VCAT works closely with investigators, patrol officers, and crime analysts to target high-crime areas and apprehend repeat offenders. VCAT uses intelligence-driven enforcement strategies to track and arrest individuals driving violent crime trends in Salt Lake City. Through proactive policing and data-driven strategies, VCAT plays a critical role in making our city safer. 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.
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