Several police departments throughout the Salt Lake Valley have come together to try and catch a group of armed robbers who strike restaurants, mainly fast-food places, just before closing. According to reports, at least a dozen restaurants—and maybe more—have been hit by armed bandits in the past four months. Police believe that the robberies may all be by the same people.
Armed Robbers Hard to Identify
The modus operandi of the armed robbers is to show up at a restaurant just prior to closing and demand money at gunpoint. Apparently, there have been customers in some of the restaurants at the time of the robberies. Each time, however, the robbers have worn some type of mask or bandanna so identification of any of the thieves has been difficult.
Desperation Can Lead to Violence
Police are concerned about the possibility of violence, though thus far no one has been physically harmed. Desperation can change the circumstances of a robbery, however, and police are hoping to catch the individuals before anyone becomes a victim of physical violence.
Potential Consequences for Armed Robbers
Robbery is a second-degree felony, which is potentially punishable by 1-15 years in prison. Armed robbery, on the other hand, is a first-degree felony because of the use or possession by the perpetrator of a dangerous weapon, such as a gun. An armed robber doesn’t have to fire the gun in order to be charged with a first-degree felony. The commission of a first-degree felony can come with a five years to life prison sentence.
Talk to an Attorney Today
Anytime a person has committed a crime or been charged with a crime, he should immediately contact a Utah criminal defense attorney. You don’t need to wait to be arrested to receive advice from an experienced attorney. It is important to find out what options are available to you and take the first steps toward getting your life back on track.












