SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 22, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Salt Lake City Police Department is urging community members to remove valuables, especially holiday gifts, from their cars after arresting two people who are accused of theft.
As part of this investigation, officers recovered suspected stolen property valued between $2,000 and $3,000. Much of the property appears to be holiday shopping bags left unattended, an SLCPD PR Unit news release says.
According to the press release, Sunday, at 3:54 a.m., dispatch was alerted to two people wearing hoodies looking into cars near 2700 S. Elizabeth St., in Salt Lake City’s Sugar House neighborhood. Arriving officers could hear a car alarm going off.
They conducted a traffic stop on a car leaving the area, and ultimately arrested Gabriel Esquibel, 46, and Robert Snell, 42.
“Inside the car, officers could see suspected stolen items, including shopping bags with receipts that didn’t match the name of either suspect. Officers also found a bike during the traffic stop that was reported as stolen.
“Based on the available information, and evidence found inside the car Esquibel drove, officers believe the two men may be responsible for other thefts not yet reported.
“Anyone who believes they have been a victim of theft or attempted theft should call 801-799-3000.”
Esquibel was arrested for investigation of:
- Theft valued at $1,500 to $4,000, a third-degree felony
- Burglary of a vehicle, a class A misdemeanor
- Three counts of possession of a controlled substance, schedule I/II/analog, a class A misdemeanor
- Unlawful possession/purchase/transaction of a dangerous weapon, a class A misdemeanor
- Possession of a controlled substance, marijuana/spice, a class B misdemeanor
- Manufacture/possess burglary tools, a class B misdemeanor
- License plate violation, an infraction
Snell was arrested for investigation of:
- Theft valued at $1,500 to $4,000, a third-degree felony
- Burglary of a vehicle, a class A misdemeanor
- Possession of a controlled substance, schedule I/II/analog, a class A misdemeanor
- Criminal trespass, intent to annoy/injure/crime/fear, a class B misdemeanor
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor
- Manufacture/possess burglary tools, a class B misdemeanor
- Possession of a controlled substance, marijuana/spice, a class B misdemeanor
If the cases go to trial, charges and their severity will be determined by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
Both men were released without bail on conditions including they return for scheduled court dates.
The SLCPD release thanked the initial caller, and asked the public to remove all visible valuables and new purchases from cars, calling it “one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent car prowls. Items left in plain sight, even small ones, can tempt thieves and make your vehicle a target.
“It’s important to remember that for a crime to occur, three factors must align: a suspect, a victim, and the right time and place. By removing items and locking your car, you reduce the opportunity and make it less likely that a thief will choose your vehicle.”
