CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Salt Lake City traffic stop leads to drug bust, illegal gun recovered

Jan 27, 2023, 7:00 PM

A traffic stop in Salt Lake City led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man who was in possession of il...

A traffic stop in Salt Lake City led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man who was in possession of illegal drugs and a firearm. Photo credit: Salt Lake City Police Department.

SALT LAKE CITY — A 21-year-old man was taken into custody by Salt Lake City Police following a traffic stop for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs and a firearm in the Ballpark neighborhood.

According to a news release, the arrest was made Thursday afternoon. Officers with the Liberty Division Bike Squad stopped a car for a traffic violation near 1700 S. Edison Street. 

While talking to the driver, officers noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver has been identified as Alano Rios.

Gun discovered after traffic stop

During the investigation, officers found a loaded gun in Rios’ waistband. Marijuana was also discovered as officers were taking him into custody. 

Additionally, as Rios was being booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, law enforcement personnel found several baggies of cocaine in his possession.

According to the news release, because of the illegal drugs that were found, Rios is restricted from possessing a gun. 

“Our officers are relentless in their pursuit to eliminate illegally possessed guns and drugs in our community,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown in a news release. “Getting this gun and these drugs off of our streets works to reduce violent crime. And protects some of our most vulnerable community members struggling with addiction.”

He was booked into jail for investigation of one felony count of possession of a firearm by a restricted person. He was also booked for investigation of one felony count of possession of a controlled substance within a correctional facility. And he was booked for investigation of one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana. 

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

13 hours ago

Defense attorney John Prior questions David Warwick during Chad Daybell's preliminary hearing in Fr...

Emma Keddington

Judge orders gag order for upcoming Chad Daybell case

Judge Steven Boyce has issued a gag order in the Chad Daybell case, after Daybell's attorney spoke with a media outlet.

14 hours ago

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

16 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

16 hours ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged with aggravated assault for confronting snowboarder

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Brighton resident Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

17 hours ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Salt Lake City traffic stop leads to drug bust, illegal gun recovered