Suspect in Custody After 14-Hour Standoff at All Star Travel Inn

The Salt Lake City Police Department took suspected bank robber Joe Dee Stang into custody at approximately 11:11 a.m. this morning.

Claiming he had a hostage, Stang barricaded himself in a room at the All Star Travel Inn after officers tracked him there and attempted to make contact. Following several hours of negotiations, he ceased communication.

SWAT officers forced entry and extracted Stang, who had no hostage after all, from an attic space at approximately 11:11 a.m. this morning. Medical personnel transported him to a local hospital for treatment of possible dehydration.

Officers will book Stang on aggravated robbery charges under a federal warrant. Other charges are pending, including those related to his flight from a work release program in Idaho earlier this month.

During the 14-hour standoff, officers evacuated approximately 50 people from the motel to a nearby church. They were allowed to return at approximately noon today.

The Police Department wishes to thank Salt Lake City Fire Department, Davis County SWAT/Paramedics, Unified Police Department, Taylorsville Police Department, Unified Fire Department, Utah Transit Authority, Gold Cross Ambulance, American Red Cross-Greater Salt Lake Chapter for their assistance in the standoff that began at approximately 9 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2010.

Suspect Identified in Zions Bank Robbery

Salt Lake City Police Department confirms Joe Dee Stang (1/30/65) is the primary suspect in yesterday’s robbery of the Zions Bank branch at 1635 S. Redwood Road.

Stang walked away from an Idaho State Prison work program earlier this month, and he is a suspect in other offenses. Known to be in possession of at least one silver handgun, the public should consider him armed and dangerous.

The Police Department asks anyone with information about the suspect to call (801) 799-3000. Callers may remain anonymous. Please reference case #10-131159.