The Salt Lake City Police Department's initiative to enhance safety and reduce crime along the Jordan River Trail has led to the apprehension of a suspected drug dealer. On Thursday, an officer, while on patrol, noticed a man discarding an object into the river around 4:37 p.m., as reported by SLCPD. The individual, later identified as 29-year-old Kyaw Poe, initiated an investigation but attempted to flee the scene.
The chase ended with assistance from above, a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter helped locate Poe, who was promptly detained by officers on the ground. Found in his possession were methamphetamine, over 150 blue M-30 fentanyl pills, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Poe faces various charges, including two felony charges of controlled substance distribution, as per SLCPD.
Following the protocol, Poe was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. It is emphasized that charges are mere allegations at this stage. As noted in the official report, every individual arrested is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In regards to public records, the Salt Lake City Police Department points out that they do not hold jail booking photos. Due to Utah Code 17-22-30, such images are generally withheld from the public, barring specific circumstances such as convictions or when the suspect is deemed a fugitive or a credible threat to personal or public safety. The custodian of jail booking photos in this case is the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the photos are released at their discretion.
