SALT LAKE CITY — Earlier this week, Salt Lake City police arrested two individuals for alleged crimes committed against multiple downtown businesses.

On Thursday, police took 53-year-old Jose Vasquez and 39-year-old Sophia Dewey into custody after allegedly pointing a weapon at employees at three different businesses. 

Police say the series of events began when the two suspects tried to enter an ear-piercing parlor near 250 E. 300 South. 

According to a news release, the two suspects were banging on a locked door. An employee opened the door to tell them the business was closed. Vasquez then pushed the employee and walked into the business. It is alleged that Vasquez took out a firearm and pointed it at the employee before the two suspects fled from the business.

Two more downtown businesses

A short time later, the two suspects entered a bar in the area of 160 E. 200 South. According to the press release, Vasquez attempted to purchase a drink. However, employees of the business refused to serve him. He then allegedly poured an alcoholic beverage on a computer and allegedly pointed a firearm at two employees. He and Dewey then left the business.

A short time later, the two individuals went into a business at 200 S. State Street. According to the news release, Vasquez attempted to grab an alcoholic beverage without paying for it. An employee told the two individuals to leave the business. 

Vasquez allegedly pointed the weapon at the employee through a window as he and Dewey walked away.

Eventually, the two suspects were safely taken into custody in the area of 150 S. State Street. Vasquez dropped his weapon as he was being taken into custody. Dewey attempted to walk away but was also taken into custody.

Vasquez was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He was booked for investigation of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and felony mischief.

Dewey was also booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. She was booked for investigation of trespassing, failure to stop at the command of a police officer, interference of arresting police officer and outstanding warrants. 

“I am proud of the officers who responded to this situation, gathered as much information in order to find and safely take these two people into custody,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown in a news release. “Fortunately, no one was hurt during this blatant disregard for our community’s safety.”   

Read more:

• Salt Lake City police arrest man after road rage incident, involving a gun
• Salt Lake City police investigating shooting, one person hurt

 

Follow @MarkJonesKSL