- For an updated story with suspect names, click here.
SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Oct. 9, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Four alleged robbers are behind bars after hitting five different 7-Eleven stores overnight across the Salt Lake Valley.
The string of strong-arm robberies began about 1:30 a.m. and came to end three hours later when the suspects led police on 100 mph chase which ended in a crash on the 7800 South off ramp from the Bangerter Highway.
Police investigators told Gephardt Daily the robbery spree began about 1:35 a.m. when three masked men walked into the the 7-11 at 1280 N. Redwood Road and demanded cash. They then pistol whipped the clerk before making off with cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money.
Thirty minutes later, at about 2:05 a.m, the robbers struck again, hitting the 7-Eleven at 890 E. 400 South in Salt Lake City.
They then made their way to Magna where they robbed the 7-Eleven at 3500 S. 7200 West about 2:30 a.m.
Just 20 minutes later, the robbers struck a fourth time, pulling an armed heist in West Valley City, at the 7-Eleven located at 4100 S. 6407 West.
The fifth and final robbery happened about a half-hour later when the robbers struck at the South Jordan 7-Eleven at 3714 W. 11400 South about 3:20 a.m.
Police from throughout the Salt Lake Valley were on the lookout for the robbers when their SUV was spotted by a Riverton patrol officer near 12600 South and Bangerter Highway around 3:30 a.m. According to Unified Police Department’s Lt. Bill Robertson, the officer was initiating a traffic stop when they robbers sped off, driving north of Bangerter Highway at speeds in excess of 100 mph.
The robbers attempted to turn east onto the 7800 South on ramp when the driver lost control of the SUV and slammed into a sound barrier.
Four men jumped from vehicle, one dropping a pistol at the side of the road, and they ran into a nearby neighborhood.
A short while later, three of the suspects were found hiding in a backyard shed. A fourth suspect was found standing behind a neighbor’s house.
All four males were taken into custody.
Police believe they were the same men who robbed three 7-Elevens overnight last week.
