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Midvale Unified Police Department officers honored after multi-jurisdiction robbery and pursuit
Summary
Midvale's Unified Police Department recognized officers and K-9 after an October 15, 2024 armed robbery in the area; UPD credited officers with coordinating a high-risk stop, pursuing suspects, recovering an AR-15 and making arrests.
The Midvale Unified Police Department presented division commander awards to officers who assisted in a multi-jurisdiction response to an armed robbery on Oct. 15, 2024, and the council acknowledged the recognition during its January meeting.
Chief April Morris described the incident during the council meeting, saying the robbery was reported at the Maverik gas station on the Midvale–Cottonwood Heights border. "Officers hearing the information responded to the area to assist in the investigation," Chief Morris said, and Officer Leo Lopez located the suspect vehicle and initiated a high-risk stop. When the suspects failed to stop, a pursuit ended in a wreck; suspects abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled on foot.
UPD deployed a K-9 unit and a drone; officers located the suspects and recovered an AR-15. Chief Morris told the council that, after the arrest, officers learned the same suspects had earlier committed a second robbery in Mill Creek using a rifle. She said mutual aid responded but noted Unified Police Department personnel chose to stay and continue the search until the suspects were taken into custody. "They should be recognized for their selfless actions and incredible professionalism. That is why I'm giving them a division commander award," she said.
The department introduced the officers and K-9s at the meeting; Chief Morris named Officer Clayton Farrnes, Officer Leo Lopez, Officer Miguel Gomez, Officer Ethan Andres, Officer Athena Walzer, Officer Ryan Smithson (K-9 handler), Officer Austin Schmidt, Officer Barnett and Sergeant Heather Lynn Lohrkey among those honored. The K-9 officer Odin — a 19-month-old dog — was presented as part of the unit.
Council members acknowledged the presentation and thanked UPD for its service. Councilmembers and staff emphasized the department model of mutual aid and cross-precinct support, noting no calls for service were left unaddressed while officers supported the Cottonwood Heights investigation.
What the record shows: Chief Morris provided the operational summary and introduced the named officers and K-9 handlers. No formal council action or policy change followed the presentation; this was a recognition item on the agenda.
