The detectives involved in the case that led to their nomination are as follows:

• Matt Armstrong

• Bryan Ellington

• Josh Mortensen

• Aaron Hargrove

• Kevin Wall (Former auto theft)

• Sgt. Richelle Bradley

In late 2020, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Auto Theft Squad (SLCPD) began noticing multiple skid steers were being stolen from construction sites. SLCPD noticed surrounding jurisdictions were experiencing similar cases. SLCPD developed a suspect with experience operating this equipment. The suspect targeted construction sites on weekends which meant a delay in theft discovery and reporting. The suspect sold the stolen equipment through online advertising and accepted only cash. 

SLCPD conducted buy/bust operation and arrested two suspects. The primary suspect refused to cooperate; however, his accomplice was happy to cooperate with detectives. They discovered all proceeds from the sale of stolen equipment had already been spent on drugs and hotels by the suspect. While incarcerated, detectives heard telephone conversations that led to the recovery of additional stolen equipment. 

Unfortunately, the primary suspect was released after pleading guilty to several felony charges. Once out, SLCPD noticed a resurgence of skid steer thefts. The modus operandi was the same as before. Detectives secured a warrant and placed a tracking device on the primary suspect’s vehicle. Detectives were able to secure enough probable cause and once again arrested the suspect. That’s twice. 

The suspect was once again released from jail and sent to drug court. While out, SLCPD discovered four more skid steer thefts in neighboring jurisdictions once again with the same modus operandi. SLCPD detectives, working with their neighboring jurisdictions set up another buy/bust operation, and following a brief vehicle/foot pursuit, detectives were able to apprehend the suspect and his accomplice.

The suspect is currently being held in custody awaiting arraignment. SLCPD is working with their district attorney’s office to hold the suspect accountable and hopes that his habitual recidivism nets him some prison time.

In total, losses of construction equipment involved in this investigation is valued at over $2.1 million dollars.