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SALT LAKE CITY — Part of Main Street in downtown was closed Tuesday night while SWAT and police officers investigated a fugitive barricade situation at a motel. SWAT ended its "extensive," almost eight-hour search with no arrests, police said early Wednesday.
Salt Lake City police first reported the police presence just before 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, saying they were working to safely take a fugitive into custody near 1500 S. Main. Police said an individual fled from officers, then barricaded himself in a room at the Main Street Motel and refused to talk to officers.
Main Street in the Ballpark neighborhood was closed from Kensington Avenue to Bryan Avenue, and officers were asking people to stay away from the area.
Police said social workers and crisis negotiators were also on scene to help achieve a safe resolution. SWAT officers also used a "breaching device to further their attempts to peacefully resolve this incident."
As of 10 p.m., the barricade was still in full force and officers on the scene had not made any contact with the person. Police said it's possible he could have fled, but they were operating under the belief he was still in the building and potentially armed with a knife.
A news release early Wednesday said there was a second person inside the motel room who had an active felony warrant for their arrest. "She also refused to exit," police said.
SWAT approached the room and discovered a hole had been cut in the ceiling of the motel room, allowing access to the attic. Police searched the attic and crawl spaces but did not find the pair.
There is no known threat to the community, police said. Law enforcement knows the identity of the two people wanted in connection with the case and will work to find them. Anyone with information should call police at 801-799-3000.
Contributing: Andrew Adams, Linda Williams
