LOGAN — Multiple law enforcement agencies were called out to assist in an incident involving a retail theft at the south Logan Walmart, Friday night. Initial reports indicated the suspect had fled the scene prior to Logan City Police officers’ arrival.
Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Tim Ramirez said deputies quickly located the suspect’s vehicle nearby and attempted a traffic stop. The driver briefly stopped in a nearby parking lot and released a female passenger before fleeing the area.
The suspect tried to evade deputies, before crashing into multiple vehicles and causing property damage. To prevent any further harm to innocent citizens, deputies initiated a pursuit.
Ramirez explained that the chase quickly came to an end when the suspect crashed into another vehicle at 1700 South SR-165, near Providence.
Deputies, officers and Utah Highway Patrol troopers immediately provided aid to those involved in the collisions and worked to apprehend the suspect, who refused to exit the vehicle and claimed to have a firearm. Given the circumstances, the Cache/Logan SWAT team was called to assist.
Ramirez said SWAT negotiators made multiple attempts to have the suspect surrender peacefully, but the individual remained non-compliant and armed. Less-lethal pepper ball rounds were eventually deployed, leading to the suspect’s surrender without further incident.
According to jail records, the suspect Robert Keith Bloomer, 53, of Layton, was booked early Saturday morning into the Cache County Jail. He is being held on suspicion of multiple offences, including transfer of a stolen vehicle, possession of a firearm by a restricted individual, and failing to stop at the command of law enforcement.
Bloomer has a lengthy criminal history. Court records show multiple arrests for vehicle thefts, firearm possessions and other crimes in Farmington District Court.
Ramirez said detectives are currently investigating the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the driver attempted to flee due to outstanding warrants and was operating a stolen vehicle.
No life threatening or critical injuries have been reported at this time. The Utah Highway Patrol is assisting with the crash investigation. The criminal investigation is currently ongoing.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.