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(KSL News) Two Utah criminals are off the streets this morning.
Late last night, officers secretly followed a man and woman in a stolen car to a Smith's store at 900 East and 4500 South. The couple went inside, leaving their 3-year-old nephew in the car.
Meanwhile, officers waited for their return.
Sgt. Mike Schoenfeld of the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit said, "We didn't know who we were dealing with at the time. We could not identify him. We didn't know if he was armed, and we didn't want to start an armed confrontation inside the store with several citizens in there. We wanted to wait until he came out and we could control the environment."
When the couple returned, groceries in hand, officers immediately took them into custody.
Not only was the car stolen, but the man was wanted for trying to ram a detective's vehicle several weeks ago. He also was wanted on several other warrants. Officers say he has ties to known gang members as well.
There also were warrants out for the woman's arrest. "Another good one to take off the streets," Schoenfeld said.
To seal the deal, officers say the 3-year-old readily told them that the car was stolen.
