Salt Lake City police nab burglar impersonating cop

Salt Lake City police are crediting an alert — and ultimately cynical — neighbor for helping to apprehend a burglar posing as a police officer.

Police Detective Josh Ashdown said the incident occurred about 7:40 a.m. Tuesday when the neighbor saw a man leaving an apartment at 115 South and 300 East. The suspect had written on the apartment door with a marker pen that the residence was under investigation by police.

When the curious neighbor approached, the suspect flashed a card at him and claimed to be a police officer.

"The neighbor said, 'I don't believe you.' The guy then threatened to beat him up and arrest him. The neighbor then says he's calling police, and the guys says, 'Go ahead,' " Ashdown recounted.

When officers arrived, they found the suspect allegedly in possession of a steak knife — and a bag full of jewelry and other items taken from the apartment.

The 28-year-old man was arrested and booked into Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of burglary and impersonating an officer.

remims@sltrib.com