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Sandra Yi and Randall Jeppesen ReportingA man with a violent criminal history is off the streets today. Gang officers didn't want to take any chances so the SWAT team helped make the arrest.
In any SWAT situation, police determine the threat level of a suspect. They say the man arrested last night is so violent, he posed the highest risk of anyone they've encountered before.
Misty Hergenreder: "Kind of scary. It's too close to my house."
Misty Hergenreder was never suspicious of her neighbors across the street, but she noticed there was always something going on.
Misty Hergenreder: "Lots of different cars, different times throughout the day."
She found out her neighbor is a wanted man. Police say he's a known gang member with a violent past.
Lt. Tim Doubt, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "The suspected gang member has an extremely violent history involving firearms, has shot at quite a few number of people. He's always armed."
With help from the SWAT team, gang officers went to serve a warrant at the suspect's home. Authorities were concerned because two small kids were inside. The man also had several pit bulls in his yard.
But the suspect made it easy for officers when he walked out onto the driveway. He had no idea he was surrounded.
Lt. Tim Doubt: "The officers tell me he turned around and was completely shocked and surprised."
Police say the man had guns in his home. They also found drugs and suspect he's a neighborhood drug dealer.
News of the arrest has Misty Hergenreder, a mother of three, breathing a sigh of relief.
Misty Hergenreder: "If he's off the streets now, yeah, I'm glad nothing bad ever happened in the short time that they were there."
The Metro Gang Unit has not released the suspect's name, saying it's an ongoing investigation. Police say, he's a convicted felon and he could face federal charges for having guns in his home.
