SLCPD arrest man with suspected explosive device in his pickup truck
Feb 11, 2024, 10:27 AM | Updated: Feb 12, 2024, 12:57 pm
Salt Lake City Police detectives safely remove suspicious jars containing liquid found in a pickup near 800 South State Street during an investigation (SLCPD)
(SLCPD)
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Police closed down State Street in both directions from 800-900 South Saturday night after the discovery of a potential bomb threat.
The SLCPD said it arrested 51-year-old Arthur Lloyd Palmer after pulling him over for expired registration stickers.
An officer asked Palmer to exit the vehicle after learning Palmer was a non-compliant sex offender. That’s when Palmer pulled out a knife, according to a press release from the SLCPD.
After his arrest, Palmer later claimed to have explosives inside of his truck during an interview with police.
This new information prompted police to check the pickup truck where they found “several jars with liquids and other objects,” according to the press release.
Police say they secured the area and asked the Hazardous Devices Unit to respond to the scene. Police also evacuated two businesses nearby.
HDU, Salt Lake City Fire, Gold Cross and the Unified Fire Authority were able to safely remove the items from the truck, according to the press release.
Both directions on State Street are now open.
The SLCPD said it arrested Palmer on suspicion of several crimes including having an incendiary device, assault and failing to register as a sex offender.
