PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

September 25, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://slcpd.com/mediarequest/

SLCPD HDU Determines Suspicious Item Not a Threat to Community

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) rendered safe a suspicious item near a downtown business.

The suspicious item is described as an organic agricultural product.

“We train extensively for these types of situations,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Our response today underscores the responsiveness and readiness of our officers and detectives. We extend our appreciation to the agencies throughout the county who assisted with this investigation. Our foremost priority in these critical incidents is the safety of first responders and our community.”

This investigation started at 7:47 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, when SLC911 got a call from a community member about a suspicious item placed near 20 West 200 South.

Officers responded and secured the scene.

The on-duty watch commander requested the help of the SLCPD’s Hazardous Devices Unit.

Out of an abundance of caution and for community safety, officers closed 200 South from Main Street to West Temple Street.

Officers also helped evacuate the US Bank Tower located at 170 South Main Street.

Detectives with the HDU team analyzed the object using specialized technology, including a robot, and photos of the object as part of their investigation.

The SLCPD would like to thank the following agencies for their help with this investigation: Salt Lake City Fire Department, Salt Lake County Bomb Squad, Utah National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Salt Lake County Health Department.

Officers are working to determine who placed the object and why. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 801-799-3000.

The SLCPD reminds community members to never touch or move anything that looks suspicious. Call 9-1-1 and follow instructions from the dispatcher.

The HDU is a statewide coalition of law enforcement members who receive specialized training and certification in explosive device assessment, operations, mitigation, and removal. The HDU receives year-round training using national best practices. Additionally, the SLCPD members of the HDU provide training and support to law enforcement throughout Utah and the country.

A SLCPD Public Information Officer (PIO) responded and provided media with updates.

Photos taken on scene are being released. Media may use these photos with proper credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

There is no other information available for release.

1 – Two Salt Lake City police officers at the scene of a suspicious item investigation in downtown (SLCPD photo | September 23, 2023).

2 – A Salt Lake City Police Department HDU detective at the scene of a suspicious item investigation in downtown (SLCPD photo | September 23, 2023).

3 – A Salt Lake City police officer secures the scene of a suspicious item investigation in downtown (SLCPD photo | September 23, 2023).

4 – A Salt Lake City Fire Department Captain talks to two SLCPD HDU detectives at the scene of suspicious item investigation (SLCPD photo | September 23, 2023).

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