On a late Saturday night intervention, Salt Lake City's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) secured the arrest of a 24-year-old man on probation, found in his possession were a firearm and various drugs. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 11:37 p.m., near 400 West North Temple Street.
During a traffic stop conducted by the detectives, Cesar Carranza, the driver, inadvertently revealed a gun in his glovebox as he reached inside. Carranza, currently under the watchful eye of law enforcement due to a past domestic violence conviction, is barred legally from handling firearms. "Our officers are doing everything they can to keep our city safe, especially when these suspects, including repeat and already convicted offenders, are accused of endangering our community using illegal drugs and firearms," Police Chief Mike Brown stated, as per Salt Lake City Police Department.
A distinct aroma of burnt marijuana emanating from the car prompted further investigation. Upon a more thorough inspection, officers unearthed a real gun in the glove box, a dab pen, a glass pipe, and multiple lighters, establishing ample evidence for escalating Carranza's brush with the law to a full-blown arrest. The SLCPD has charged Carranza with unlawful possession of a firearm as a restricted person, possession of a controlled substance, and possessing drug paraphernalia, though they remind the public that charges are merely allegations until proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
