Suspect arrested in Taylorsville backyard burglary after news report

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Taylorsville police arrested Raymond Don Keith, 36, for investigation of backyard burglary and theft.
Video aired by KSL-TV helped identify Keith, who allegedly stole tools of sentimental value.
Keith, with a criminal record, was apprehended after a police chase with helicopter assistance.

TAYLORSVILLE — After a backyard burglary left a family feeling scared and vulnerable in Taylorsville, police said an arrest was made in the case after KSL-TV circulated footage of the burglary.

The video featured surveillance footage of the suspect kicking a backyard fence, then falling through. He allegedly stole tools with sentimental value before trying to kick in a door to the home. Ultimately, he fled.

Surveillance footage of a backyard burglary in Taylorsville led to an arrest on Monday. (Photo: Taylorsville police)

Raymond Don Keith, 36, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of second-degree attempted burglary of a dwelling, third-degree failure to stop at the command of police, and misdemeanor charges of theft, criminal mischief, and reckless driving, according to the police affidavit.

Security footage from the home showed a man, later identified as Keith, backing his grey Dodge Ram truck into the driveway.

A Facebook post from Taylorsville police explained that the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter also played a role in the arrest. It helped locate the vehicle allegedly involved in nearby Magna.

On Friday evening, the victims reported finding part of their fence broken down and damage to the side door to the home.

Security footage showed Keith getting out of his car, attempting to open the locked side door and going to the backyard fence, where he turned and kicked through it.

"(He) broke through the fence, falling in the process into the backyard," Erica Walker, the victim, told KSL-TV. "There's two sheds and he went into both of them looking for things to steal."

According to the affidavit, Keith took multiple tools and placed them in the bed of his truck. Walker said that he stole tools that had sentimental value to her since they belonged to her grandfather.

"(Keith) then went to the door of the house again, where he turned his back to the door and began kicking and attempting to gain entry," the affidavit stated. "(Keith) was unsuccessful but caused damage to the door where it would not close correctly."

Taylorsville police said they received multiple tips about a man who was caught on surveillance footage stealing equipment from a backyard in Taylorsville. Police cited reporting by KSL-TV that was published days after the incident and prompted folks to call with information.

Investigators reviewed the security footage and identified Keith as the suspect.

Infrared video from the DPS helicopter obtained by KSL captured the end of the pursuit and the apprehension.

Fleeing from police

On Monday, a Taylorsville police officer found Keith driving his truck. The officer reported that Keith noticed police watching him and attempted to flee by going through side streets.

According to the affidavit, the officer activated their emergency lights and pursued Keith, but quickly ended the chase since they were in a neighborhood and bystanders were at risk.

"A short time later, the vehicle, still driven by Keith, was seen, and the Department of Public Safety helicopter was called to assist with aerial surveillance," the affidavit stated.

Police said Keith pulled to the side of the road near 3500 S. Centennial Road, got out of the truck, and began to walk away from the vehicle, when he was taken into custody by police.

Infrared video from a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter shows the arrest of a Taylorsville theft suspect Monday. (Photo: Utah Department of Public Safety)

According to the affidavit, after being read his Miranda rights, Keith admitted to driving the truck and requested an attorney.

Court records show that he was convicted in 2020 for class-A misdemeanor theft charges in Salt Lake County and is on parole out of Wyoming for other incidents.

Suspect has a criminal record

Wyoming corrections records showed Keith most recently had been sentenced in December 2020 to 27 months in prison in that state for a conviction for DUI-serious bodily injury.

A search of Utah court records showed convictions dating back nearly 20 years for crimes such as failure to stop or respond at the command of police, drug possession and receipt or transfer of a stolen vehicle.

One person who was among the tipsters to Taylorsville Police told KSL Keith had returned to Utah within the past six months.

The individual described Keith as someone who had a temper and was potentially "dangerous."

Utah Department of Corrections spokesman Glen Mills confirmed that Keith was under the supervision of Adult Probation & Parole as a compact parolee, but that Wyoming Department of Corrections retained authority over his status.

An inquiry to the Wyoming Department of Corrections late Tuesday afternoon did not immediately result in a response.

As of Tuesday evening, Keith was being held without bail at the Salt Lake County Jail.

Walker said she was thankful to tipsters, police and KSL for helping to solve the theft case at her family's home.

"We're really grateful and feel like it happened very swiftly," Walker said. "Hopefully nobody else ever has to go through this again—at least from him."

This is a developing story. It may be updated.

Photos

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