February 23, 2025

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SLCPD Conducts Targeted Enforcement on Jordan River Trail; Five People Arrested, Estimated 1,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department’s (SLCPD) Pioneer Patrol Division conducted a targeted enforcement operation on the Jordan River Trail, resulting in five arrests and the seizure of a large amount of suspected fentanyl pills and cash.

This operation occurred on February 22, 2025, near 500 North Redwood Road during a lull in calls for service.

Officers assigned to the SLCPD’s Pioneer Patrol Division and camp mitigation mobilized for a targeted enforcement operation aimed at addressing criminal activity along the trail.

As officers moved in, several people ran away.

After a foot pursuit, officers safely arrested one suspect, later identified as 48-year-old David Lopez.

During the investigation, officers found Lopez in possession of suspected fentanyl pills. While running, Lopez is accused of ditching several items, including a BB gun.

The investigation also revealed that Lopez is person of interest in property crime-related offense that occurred in West Valley City. Officers notified WVCPD of his arrest.

Officers booked Lopez into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges that include possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, possession of a controlled substance, failing to stop at the command of a police officer, interfering with a peace officer, possession of marijuana/spice, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In total, officers arrested five people as part of this enforcement operation, all of whom were allegedly found in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or had outstanding warrants.

Officers arrested 33-year-old Javier Omar Balle-Hernandez after finding him to be in alleged possession of approximately 1,000 suspected fentanyl pills and several hundred dollars in cash.

Balle-Hernandez is accused of trying to run from officers and provided false information to officers.

Officers booked Balle-Hernandez into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of felony drug distribution in a drug-free zone, failing to stop at the command of law enforcement, providing false information to a peace officer.

The SLCPD remains committed to addressing criminal activity along the Jordan River Trail and other high-crime areas through proactive enforcement.

This operation highlights the SLCPD’s continued efforts to disrupt illegal drug distribution and improve community safety.

A photo of some of the evidence seized during the investigation is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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 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.

Photo: Evidence, including cash and suspected fentanyl pills, seized by the Salt Lake City Police Department following a targeted law enforcement operation conducted on the Jordan River Trail (SLCPD photo – Saturday, February 22, 2025).

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