Friday, August 27, 2010

Suspect Identified in Officer Involved Shooting

The Salt Lake City Police Department has positively identified the suspect in today’s officer involved shooting:

· Brandon S. Barrett (01/30/82), believed to be a US Army veteran most recently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, Washington.

At approximately 3:37 p.m. today, Dispatch received a call of a man with a gun walking along State Street between 500 and 600 South. An officer who arrived on scene exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who died at the scene.

Barrett was dressed in full military-style combat attire and was carrying a long gun and numerous rounds of ammunition.

The police officer received a gunshot wound to his leg. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Per policy, the Police Department has placed the officer on paid administrative leave pending an internal review and a joint criminal investigation between Salt Lake City Police detectives and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Detectives Seek New Info in Rosa Tapia Case

Rosa Tapia case still active

In a case that has grown cold but never been closed, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Homicide Squad seeks a man who was seen with Rosa Tapia the night before she was abducted and murdered in 1995.

A witness describes the man as a male white adult, approximately 30 years old, dark-complected, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a thin build and medium-length, dark brown hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt, red-brimmed ball cap and brown dark glasses.

Detectives are working on a composite sketch, which may be available to the public as early as next week. Although not a suspect, they believe talking with the man may move the case forward.

Due to a low homicide rate in 2009, the Homicide Squad has had more time to revisit the Department’s cold cases. Of the nearly 100 on file, Detectives are actively investigating 40, including the Tapia case.

Reward information:
Salt Lake City Police Department offers up to $5,000 for information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of homicide suspects. To report such information, the Police Department asks the public to call (801) 799-INFO (4636). Callers may remain anonymous. The public may also email information to tipsforcash@slcgov.com. Please reference case #95-119190.

Rosa Tapia cold case listing

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Police Department Launches ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’

New program focuses on drug, gang activity


The Salt Lake City Police Department today launched “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” a program that provides residents with tools to combat drugs and gangs in city neighborhoods.

“Law enforcement works best as a partnership with the community we serve. Our new ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ program will create a simple way for residents to report drug and gang activity, information that officers can then use to address criminal problems in our neighborhoods,” said Chris Burbank, Chief of Police.

Burbank introduced the program during a Night Out Against Crime Event hosted by the Federal Heights Neighborhood Association, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the Greater Avenues Community Council. Officers distributed lawn signs for residents to indicate that their household is free of drugs or gang members, as well as handed out drug and gang diaries for the tracking of drug and gang activity.

Residents may also download the diaries from the Police Department’s website, www.slcpd.com/neighbors. All completed diaries submitted to the department will remain confidential.

To obtain a lawn sign, please contact a Community Officer. Assigned by City Council District, a complete list is posted online at www.slcpd.com/getinvolved/community-officers.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Police Department to Launch 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' Program During Night Out Against Crime

As part of tomorrow's Night Out Against Crime, the Salt Lake City Police Department will launch a new program that provides residents with tools to combat drugs and gangs in city neighborhoods.

“Law enforcement works best as a partnership with the community we serve. Our new ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ program will create a simple way for residents to report drug and gang activity, information that officers can then use to address criminal problems in our neighborhoods,” said Chris Burbank, Chief of Police.

Full details about the program will be unveiled at a press conference during a Night Out Against Crime event hosted by the Federal Heights Neighborhood Association, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the Greater Avenues Community Council tomorrow night.

WHO:
Chris Burbank, Salt Lake City Chief of Police
Federal Heights Neighborhood Association
Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity
Greater Avenues Community Council

WHAT:
Launch of ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ Program during Night Out Against Crime

WHEN:
6 p.m.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010

WHERE:
1409 E. Butler Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT 84102