Tips lead to arrest of S. Jordan Wal-Mart robbery suspect

In the end, an "armed and dangerous" fugitive who eluded police for three days after allegedly pointing a gun at a South Jordan Wal-Mart employee surrendered peacefully — with a little canine encouragement.

South Jordan police spokesman Samuel Winkler said detectives were tipped that known gang member Dennis James Monard had returned to his West Valley City residence. WVCPD officers were dispatched to surround the home about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Monard, also known by the street monikers "Sir Jinx" and "Road Runner," at first tried to flee, but thought better of it when confronted by police dogs.

"He saw the police and ran out the back [where] police K-9s were waiting for him. He saw the K-9s and surrendered immediately," Winkler said.

Monard, who was not armed at the time of his arrest, was booked into Salt Lake County Jail, where he was being held Thursday without bail on suspicion of first-degree felony aggravated robbery and third-degree felony possession of a weapon by a restricted person.

Winkler credited numerous tips from the public, as well as the cooperation of West Valley, Sandy, Unified Police and Adult Probation and Parole officers, with keeping the pressure on Monard and finally taking him off the streets.

Monard allegedly was confronted about 8 p.m. Monday by a Wal-Mart store security officer who suspected he had been shoplifting. That was when Monard purportedly pulled a handgun, threatened the employee and ran from the store at 11328 S Jordan Gateway (250 West).

Monard was seen speeding out of the store's parking lot in a white Ford pickup truck, which was found a short time labor abandoned in a neighborhood just west of the store. The suspect had been on the lam since.

State court records show Monard has an extensive criminal rap sheet including firearms, escape, theft and auto theft-related offenses.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims