Mountain man suspected in Utah cabin burglaries is identified
The mystery of the infamous mountain man roaming the southern Utah hills in camouflage and burglarizing cabins on Cedar Mountain for the past five years is now solved — now all police have to do is find him.
On Tuesday, Kane and Iron County sheriff's offices said they have identified Troy James Knapp, 44, as the man who has been burglarizing cabins and outbuildings in Kane, Garfield and Iron counties. There is a warrant out for his arrest.
In a news release, authorities said they were able to make the identification after hundreds of tips from the public and continued investigative work.
Court documents show Knapp is already facing some serious charges. On Jan. 27 in 6th District Court, Knapp was charged with first-degree felony aggravated burglary, two counts of third-degree felony burglary and one count of third-degree felony possession of a firearm by a restricted person. Knapp does not have a criminal history in Utah. However, a court affidavit states Knapp is a convicted felon for burglaries and assault with a dangerous weapon, but where the conviction occurred is not specified. Knapp was arrested for theft in 2000 in California.
The court affidavit indicates Knapp was identified from fingerprints left behind on a window of one of the cabins. Knapp is seen in one cabin walking toward a camera and taking out the memory card. The camera's internal memory recorded short clips of Knapp walking around the house, court records state. In one cabin Knapp left a note that said, "Hey, Sheriff, f—- you! Gonna put you in the ground!"
He has gained access to the cabins by cutting window screens or breaking out windows, according to court records.
Authorities believe Knapp may still be in the area and ask the public to report any information if they see the man. He is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as white, 5-foot-10-inches tall, with hazel eyes and red or auburn hair. He weighs about 150 pounds. He also has tattoos on his chest, left and right arms, neck and on the back of his left hand.
Police have said Knapp is suspected of burglarizing more than 20 cabins on Cedar Mountain. Some cabin owners in the area have set up cameras in an effort to track the man's movements. One image showed a man wearing camouflage clothing and snowshoes and toting a rifle. Police said the gun, snowshoes and possibly the camouflage clothes were all stolen from cabins.
The burglar lives in empty cabins during winter months and restocks his supplies for the summer.
In the past, he's stayed inside empty cabins for up to a month, using up all the firewood and food, and taking what he wants or needs before moving on, according to authorities.
Anyone with information about the burglar is asked to call police at 435-867-7500.
cimaron@sltrib.com
Twitter: @CimCity