Three men arrested after ‘coordinated’ car theft operation at SLC airport

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Three men were arrested in connection to a “coordinated stolen car operation” at the Salt Lake City International Airport after dispatchers noticed “suspicious behavior” as the men were looking in cars in the parking lot.

The three men — identified as Jose Alejandro Pavon-Estopian, 30; Yoel Hernandez Fromata, 37; and Vainer Pinollotoro, 27 — were arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools, fleeing in a vehicle, and failing to stop at the command of police, officials said.

“Based on the suspicious behavior of the suspects, officers thought the men came to the airport to steal a car or break into parked cars,” a press release from the Salt Lake City Police Department said.

Just before 7 p.m. on Friday, July 12, dispatchers saw the three men looking into cars in an economy lot at the airport.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspects, but the driver sped away from officers while in a stolen car. Later, the suspects reportedly exited the vehicle and ran, after which officers followed on foot and requested additional help before apprehending the suspects.

In their investigation, officers found a backpack belonging to a suspect, which contained “blank car key fobs,” as well as key cards for a nearby motel, according to the release.

Officers got a warrant to search the motel room and the stolen vehicle used by the suspects, which led to the discovery of more evidence of the “coordinated stolen car operation” — including a laptop and a device to program key fobs.

According to the press release, the men “have no ties to Salt Lake City.” They were all booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on the aforementioned charges.

“Because of the coordination between officers and the fast response from units, officers found all three suspects and took them into custody,” the release said. “One of the men suffered a leg injury after he jumped a fence while trying to run from officers.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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