WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- Everything from wanted suspects, to stolen vehicles, to illegal weapons--it's all part of the job when you're in law enforcement. On Friday, FOX 13 News got a chance to experience it firsthand during a ride-along with the West Valley City Police Department.
It was part of their Vehicle Theft Prevention Division. Four times a year, police departments from across the valley get together to recover stolen vehicles and arrest car thieves, but often it leads to much more.
FOX 13 News captured video from the hood of an undercover police vehicle en route to the home where a burglary suspect was spotted. There were five police officers inside the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle arrived at the suspect's home, the officers exited.
The suspect was working on his car at the time. It's obvious he had no time to react. Within seconds, the officers, guns drawn, were able to apprehend the suspect.
Officers then went throughout the entire home, making sure it was safe and also making sure they had the right man. Police said these types of arrests are done everyday, and they said the key to successful execution is detailed planning.
"Everything went smoothly, he didn't fight, he has a history of running, he has a history of multiple burglaries, and again tonight this went smooth, no injuries and no property damage," said Sgt. Robert Hamilton, with West Valley City PD.
West Valley City police said it will take at least a week for them to total the number of vehicles they recovered this week.
