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Multi-agency effort contains grass fire threatening structures in West Weber County
WEST WEBER COUNTY, Utah — Multiple fire departments and the Weber County Sheriff's Office swiftly contained a grass fire threatening several structures on Sunday afternoon. At approximately 2:45 p.m. on June 30, 2024, crews from Weber Fire District, North View Fire District, Ogden City, Roy City, Riverdale City, Hill AFB Little Mountain, and South Ogden Fire Departments, along with the Weber County Sheriff's Office, responded to the blaze. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy smoke and flames involving two large haystacks in a field, which were spreading rapidly and endangering three nearby structures.
Northern Utah County Cities Seek Public Input on New School District
DRAPER, Utah — Six cities in northern Utah County have initiated a 45-day public comment period to explore the creation of a new school district. On June 18, the mayors and city councils of Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Draper, Highland, and Lehi convened to discuss the findings of a feasibility study conducted by independent public finance advisors. The study evaluated the fiscal impacts, including start-up costs, capital facilities, and staffing, of forming a Central School District (CSD). It also analyzed student enrollment growth and revenue projections from federal, state, and local sources.
Man identified in alleged road rage incident involving a handgun
EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — A 22-year-old man from Eagle Mountain has been identified and charged following a road rage incident involving a handgun, authorities said. On June 27, 2024, just before 6:30 a.m., deputies in Eagle Mountain responded to a report of a road rage incident where one driver allegedly pointed a handgun at another motorist, according to a press release. The victim provided a license plate number, leading deputies to identify the registered owner. However, they were initially unable to locate him at the address listed on the registration or driver license.
Two vehicles impounded and arrests made after alleged speed racing in Utah County
EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — Two drivers were arrested after allegedly racing at 84 mph in a 40 mph zone, according to the Utah County Sheriff's Office. On June 25, 2024, a Utah County Sheriff's Office Deputy observed two cars racing on Pony Express near the city center. The vehicles, which were escalating toward road rage, had to stop for a red light, allowing the deputy to intervene. Both cars were impounded, and the drivers were taken to jail for engaging in a speed contest and reckless driving, stated the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
Salt Lake City firefighter dies in rafting accident
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Salt Lake City Fire Department announced the unexpected passing of Captain Michael Harp, a 27-year veteran of the department. While the details of this tragic incident are still being investigated, it appears that Captain Harp was involved in a rafting accident along the Green River, according to the Salt Lake City Fire Department. Captain Harp was a second-generation firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father who also served with the department. He was also a dedicated member of Utah Task Force 1 and notably deployed to Ground Zero on 9/11.
Cottonwood Heights police seek assistance locating alleged armed robbery suspect
COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — Police are seeking public assistance in locating a suspect involved in an alleged armed robbery at a 7-11 convenience store. The incident occurred during the early hours of June 29, 2024, when the suspect entered the store, brandished a large kitchen knife, and threatened the clerk, demanding the register be opened, according to the Cottonwood Heights Police Department. After stealing cash and cigarettes, the suspect exited the store and left as the front seat passenger in a 2015-2017 Hyundai Sonata.
Washington police investigating fatal shooting
WASHINGTON CITY, Utah — A man was fatally shot early Sunday morning in Washington City, and a male juvenile suspect has been taken into custody, according to the Washington City Police Department. On June 30, 2024, shortly before 2:00 AM, Washington City Police were informed of a shots fired...
Search and Rescue Effort for Missing Couple in Grand County Shifts to Recovery Operation
GRAND COUNTY, Utah — The Grand County Sheriff's Office has transitioned the search and rescue operation for Ray and Maranda Ankofski, missing since June 21, 2024, into a recovery effort. Ray and Maranda Ankofski embarked on the Steel Bender off-road trail in Grand County on June 21, 2024. Concerns...
Foreign National in Utah Indicted for Attempting to Sell Fentanyl and Heroin
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A foreign national living in Utah will remain in custody after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City this week for allegedly attempting to sell fentanyl and heroin. Florentino Ramos-Salazar, 29, of West Valley City, Utah, became part of a...
Two adults and a teenager have been arrested following an alleged road rage incident that escalated into a shooting
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Two adults and a teenager have been arrested following an alleged road rage incident that escalated into a shooting. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 26, 2024, a St. George Police officer observed two vehicles traveling on Bluff Street and heard multiple popping sounds. One of the vehicles swerved off the shoulder of the roadway. The driver of that vehicle reported that an occupant of the other vehicle had fired a handgun at him, according to a press release from the St. George Police Department.
Wasatch Fire to Implement Firework Restrictions Amid Hazardous Weather Forecast
WASATCH, Utah — Wasatch Fire will enforce firework restrictions for the upcoming holidays due to hazardous weather conditions, according to a press release from the department. The restrictions will apply to areas within the Wildland Urban Interface, as described in Utah Code 15A-5-202.5(1)(b)(1), and will be in effect from...
Soapstone Bridge to Close for Replacement in August 2024
HEBER CITY, Utah — The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest will close the Soapstone Bridge in the Heber-Kamas Ranger District starting August 1, 2024, for a bridge replacement project. The bridge, located approximately 14 miles east of Kamas at the junction of the Mirror Lake Highway (SR 150) and Forest Service...
West Valley Police Department warns citizens of new phone scam
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A new phone scam is circulating in West Valley City, with callers impersonating police officers to extract financial information from residents. The scammers use real officers' names and even replicate the West Valley City Police Department's phone tree recording, according to a press release from the department. Once on the line, they intimidate victims with threats of warrants and bail demands, urging them to provide personal financial details.
St. George police arrest suspect in December carjacking and burglary
ST. GEORGE, Utah — A suspect in a December 2023 armed carjacking and business burglary has been arrested, according to the St. George Police Department. On December 18, 2023, the St. George Police Department responded to a report of an armed carjacking in the area of 300 S. The incident involved a male suspect who pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded their vehicle keys. The suspect fled the scene using the stolen vehicle. Shortly after, officers also responded to a business burglary in the area of 3050 E. in St. George, where they observed shattered windows and display cases.
Two youth airlifted to hospital multiple others transported by ambulance after lightning strike during church group hike
SALINA, Utah — Two youths were hospitalized after a lightning strike during a church hike in Sevier County on June 27. At approximately 1:45 p.m., a youth group from the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints in the Salina area was hiking near the Willow Springs Overlook, south of Fremont Junction, when a light rainstorm began, according to a press release from the Sevier County Sheriff's Office. Lightning struck the ground next to the group, causing approximately 50 youths to feel the shock. Seven of the youths experienced medical concerns due to the electrocution.
Weber County Sheriff Office Drone Assists Fire Department in Large Grass Fire
WEBER COUNTY, Utah — A large haystack fire in unincorporated Weber County on June 26, 2024, prompted a multi-agency response to contain and extinguish the blaze. The fire destroyed a significant amount of hay and multiple trailers, though no structures were lost, according to a press release from the Weber County Sheriff Office. Deputies utilized a drone mission to assist the fire department, providing video oversight and thermal imaging to combat the fire. "Our drone team is an asset to the sheriff's office, allied agencies, and the community," stated the source. The sheriff's office expressed gratitude for the fire personnel who responded to the incident.
Salt Lake City woman sentenced for stealing Amazon delivery truck
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Jaclyn Allred, 38, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced Monday to 18 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release for stealing an Amazon delivery truck in 2021. Allred, also known as "Giggles," admitted to the theft of interstate shipments, according to court...
Texas motorcyclist dies in I-80 crash
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A Texas man died Monday morning after a motorcycle crash on eastbound I-80, according to the Department of Public Safety. The incident occurred around 9:34 a.m. near mile marker 111, when the 54-year-old rider, identified as Robert Childress, locked up the rear brake of his Harley motorcycle due to slower traffic and was thrown from the bike. Childress, who was wearing a helmet, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical crews.
Sacramento man sentenced for defrauding California unemployment benefits during COVID-19
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Robert James Waff, a 50-year-old from Sacramento, California, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $114,066 in restitution for defrauding the California Employment Development Department (EDD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Tena...
slcpd requests help to find missing at-risk man
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Salt Lake City Police Department is seeking community assistance to locate 34-year-old Jordan Gonzales, who is considered an at-risk missing person. Family members last saw Gonzales on March 13, 2024, in the Salt Lake City area, but he was reported missing on April...
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