Two suspects wanted in connection with a Los Angeles homicide were arrested in Salt Lake City without incident, according to local authorities. The arrests were made by a Salt Lake City Police Department sergeant and patrol officers, following a tip regarding a stolen vehicle tied to the suspects.
The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) said the investigation began around 2 a.m. on October 24 when license plate reader technology detected a car reported stolen from Los Angeles. Officers traced the vehicle's last registered location to the area of 450 West 600 North, where they found the suspects inside the parked car. A "high-hazard, felony traffic stop" was then executed, resulting in the safe apprehension of both individuals.
According to the SLCPD, the two detainees were identified as 21-year-old Jasani Johnson and 20-year-old Wynter Smith. They were booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on theft of a motor vehicle and obstruction of justice due to a first-degree felony case, respectively. It was noted that charges are merely allegations and both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Further legal action is being coordinated with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which are preparing to issue an arrest warrant for Johnson and Smith on charges including aggravated robbery and aggravated murder. As the process unfolds, both suspects are held without bail.
The news release by SLCPD also referenced that the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos, in adherence with Utah Code 17-22-30 which largely restricts the availability of such images to the public before convictions or in certain cases where law enforcement deems it necessary.
