An alleged serial robber was charged Friday, thanks to a joint investigation by detectives from several law enforcement agencies in Salt Lake County.
The man, 27, was charged Friday in 3rd District Court with seven counts of aggravated robbery and one count of attempted homicide. He allegedly robbed fast food restaurants, convenience stores and a Kinkos copy center. The businesses are in Sandy, Midvale, Murray and unincorporated Salt Lake County.
In each incident the robber used a knife or gun, said Murray detective Rob Hall. In some instances, the weapon was handheld and in other instances, it was tucked in the robber's waistband, Hall said.
Investigators say a robbery spree began Feb. 16. Then, on Mar. 12, a man robbed a Burger King, 6000 S. State, and stabbed an employee multiple times after the employee chased him into a parking lot. The employee was taken to LDS Hospital in serious condition.
Two days later, what appeared to be the same man robbed a Chevron station in Sandy. A few days after that incident, a man was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on several unrelated warrants, including theft.
While he was in jail, detectives from several agencies compared notes on recent robberies and noticed that the suspect descriptions and patterns of the alleged robbers were similar, Hall said.
"We realized we were probably all looking at the same guy," he said.
Based on witness interviews and other information obtained from undisclosed sources, police were able to link the man to the robberies. Because he was already in jail, they had time to present their case to the Salt Lake District Attorney's Office to be properly screened for charges, Hall said.
Hall said cooperation among agencies facilitated the charges.
"Had everyone not shared information and worked together, we wouldn't have gotten much," he said.
Investigators said a minimal amount of money was taken in each incident. They believe the man was stealing to support a drug habit.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com
DESERET MORNING NEWS, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2004 B3
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