Police sweep bags 15 suspects hanging out in Pioneer Park (Salt Lake Tribune)

Police sweep bags 15 suspects hanging out in Pioneer Park

Steve Gehrke
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 11/06/2008 12:31:41 AM MST

Police arrested 15 people on suspicion of felonies Tuesday evening during a nearly five-hour sting at Pioneer Park.
About 35 narcotics officers, detectives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents conducted the park operation from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Of the 15 arrested, nine face deportation for being in the U.S. illegally. As many as four could be charged with aggravated re-entry, meaning they had been deported and returned illegally.
Police said most were arrested for distributing drugs, and about six were arrested for solicitation.
The crackdown was the third effort aimed at cleaning up the park and surrounding area. The first two operations saw a combined total of more than 900 people arrested: 658 in a 49-block area from State Street to 600 West and North Temple to 600 South in November 2007 and more than 250 arrested in a 60-hour sweep during April.
Sgt. Fred Ross, of the Salt Lake City police, said officers continue to crack down on problems at Pioneer Park, but he warned there are still dangers.
"We have our work cut out," Ross said. "I wouldn't wander through there by yourself in the middle of the night."
The park, at 300 South and 300 West, is closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The Salt Lake City Council extended park hours in June as part of an effort to fight crime by increasing legitimate nighttime events and use of the park.