Police around the valley are looking for a Salt Lake County man who is accused of breaking into a west-side Salt Lake home and holding several residents hostage early Wednesday morning.
The man, 26, was being sought on outstanding warrants by the Joint Criminal Apprehension Team, a task force of state, federal and local law enforcement agencies, when a tip led officers to a west Salt Lake residence, West Jordan police Lt. Bob Shober said. When officers arrived about 2 a.m., the man fled to a second home near 900 South and 1400 West, where he allegedly broke in and waved a handgun at the adult male homeowner, telling him to leave, Salt Lake City police Sgt. Kevin Joiner said.
The homeowner left with his cell phone in hand, but left behind his three daughters, police said.
JCAT officers surrounded the house and thought the man was contained, but he apparently gave officers the slip, Joiner said. Salt Lake's SWAT Team cleared the house and found the three girls unharmed.
The man is considered armed and dangerous. He has a criminal history that includes several misdemeanor convictions for forgery and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is also scheduled for a May 18 roll call hearing in 3rd District Court on a third-degree felony forgery charge and Class B misdemeanor drug possession.