Pioneer Park raid: Salt Lake police nab 15 suspected felons
By Steve Gehrke
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 11/05/2008 12:23:48 PM MST


Police netted 15 people on suspicion of felonies Tuesday evening during a nearly five-hour swarm on Pioneer Park.
About 35 narcotics officers, detectives, pioneer bikes and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents conducted the park operation from 6 to 10:30 Tuesday night.
Of the 15 arrested, nine face deportation for being in the country illegally. As many as four could be charged with aggravated re-entry, meaning they had been deported before and again came into the country illegally.
Police said most were arrested for distributing drugs, and about five or six were arrested for solicitation.
Police Sgt. Fred Ross 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.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10906551