SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 15, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A wanted gang member with a long and violent criminal history is behind bars after being arrested at gunpoint during a tense traffic stop in Salt Lake City Thursday night.
Joey Ortega, 39, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Team about 11:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a 7-11 at 1165 West California Ave.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Derryl Spencer, commander of the VFAST unit, told Gephardt Daily Ortega was a parole fugitive and convicted sex offender wanted in connection with a “variety of violent crimes” in Weber and Davis counties.
Spencer said Ortega was an “all-around bad guy” and a known member of the Norteno gang operating in Ogden. He said Ortega was not only wanted for parole violations, but also faced previous charges for distributing narcotics.
Efforts to find Ortega began early Thursday night with members of the VFAST task force acting on information he had been seen in Glendale. They began surveilling the fugitive from the air and on the ground.
Officers taking part in the operation said at times Ortega appeared to know police were closing in. They say he drove for miles up and down the I-15 corridor, changing directions erratically, and even changing vehicles in what looked like an attempt to ditch anyone who might be trying to follow him.
About 3 hours after the aerial surveillance began the VFAST unit made its move, drawing down on Ortega as he sat with a female acquaintance in a parked car outside a Glendale convenience store.
After a few tense moments surrounded by heavily-armed officers Ortega surrendered and was taken into custody.
Police say a cursory search of the vehicle turned up a handgun.
Ortega was taken to jail where he’ll face a long list of charges.
To see exclusive video of Ortega’s arrest click on the video player above.
My brother Joey Ortega is not a violent gangmember , anyone who knew him they could tell he is a loving father and uncle he is is very loved . he is the kind of person who give the shirt off his back with out any question “I love you Joey” love always , your sister shauntel , Alisa, Richard, Gabe, and malachi.
I feel joey ortega needs to have a fair hearing he has not been active in any gang affiliation in 13 years . and they way that the media made him out to look like is deposition of character . joey was a productive member in socioty after hos release from prison . and he was just going through a hard time on his lifeafter losing his mother, and his wife leaving him and taking their chilren with her he did not know how to cope with it. He is a loving father , brother , uncle, neighbor , and husband. Joey ortega deserves a second chance.
Shauntel ortega aug 29, 2018
I feel joey ortega needs to have a fair hearing he has not been active in any gang affiliation in 13 years . and they way that the media made him out to look like is deposition of character . joey was a productive member in socioty after hos release from prison . and he was just going through a hard time on his lifeafter losing his mother, and his wife leaving him and taking their chilren with her he did not know how to cope with it. He is a loving father , brother , uncle, neighbor , and husband. Joey ortega deserves a second chance.
Alisa garcia aug 29, 2018