Suspect arrested by SLCPD and SWAT after threatening medical workers with a gun
Feb 24, 2024, 9:18 AM | Updated: 11:57 am
SWAT officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department stand in a driveway after they and patrol officers safely took a man into custody. (Salt Lake City Police Department)
(Salt Lake City Police Department)
SALT LAKE CITY — Early Saturday morning 23-year-old Sebastian Hernández was arrested after threatening Gold Cross medical workers with a gun, according to a Salt Lake City Police Department press release.
The Gold Cross employees were reported to be on a call for a medical-related issue at Hernández’s house around 3:27 a.m. near 600 East 2500 South.
That’s when Hernández was reported to have run after the employees with a gun.
The employees were able to leave that area without any injuries and drive to a nearby fire station, where they waited for police to arrive.
After police arrived at the scene
Once police arrived at Hernández’s house, they proceeded to lock down the area.
Police said around 3:44 a.m., Hernández came out of his house refusing to cooperate with officers at the scene.
After Hernández proceeded to go back into the house, police notified neighbors in the area to stay inside while they worked on the situation.
Police then requested assistance from SLCPD SWAT and Crisis Negotiators.
When Hernández came out of his house for the second time at 4:28 a.m., officers said they used a “less-lethal shotgun” in an attempt to coerce the suspect to listen to their commands.
Police said Hernández re-entered his house until he came out again at 4:36 a.m.
Hernández came out after speaking with the incident commander over a phone call. That’s when he surrendered.
“We will not tolerate threats of violence or harm against our public safety partners,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown in a statement.
“No matter the time of day, our first responders are here in our community prepared to help. This incident, unfortunately, exposes the very real dangers public safety workers can face without warning as they go about their duties.”
SLCPD stated on its X account that “Hernández was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of aggravated assault, interfering with an arresting officer, and threatening violence against a healthcare worker.”
