– A Salt Lake City teenager is in custody following an incident involving the breach of a downtown hotel and related property damage. Juan Camacho, 18, was arrested on after allegedly gaining access to the Marriott Hotel via the roof, having first stolen fire extinguishers from the City Creek Mall.
According to police reports, security at City Creek Mall initially alerted authorities to a man on the roof of the hotel. Officers responding to the scene discovered a broken window on the third floor. Camacho was subsequently observed leaving the hotel room, prompting an attempt to detain him. He allegedly fled on foot before being apprehended at a TRAX station on Main Street, adjacent to the mall.
Mall security informed police that Camacho had removed fire extinguishers from within the mall and discharged them in the hallways, causing property damage estimated at $200 and potentially creating a public safety concern. The incident prompted a police investigation into the full extent of the damage and the suspect’s motivations.
Camacho reportedly admitted to accessing the hotel roof from the City Creek Mall, claiming he was searching for an exit. He stated that the window he entered through was already broken, and that he used his hands, head, and body to further open it. However, investigators found a shoe print on the window that appeared to match Camacho’s footwear, contradicting his account.
Hotel engineers have estimated the cost of repairing the broken window to be between $3,000 and $5,000. Camacho is now facing one count of third-degree felony property damage related to the window repair costs. He is also charged with several misdemeanors, including criminal trespass, failure to comply with a lawful order from law enforcement, further property damage, and underage consumption of alcohol.
Police reported detecting the odor of alcohol on Camacho’s breath at the time of his arrest. A subsequent breathalyzer test registered a blood alcohol content of .130, according to police documentation. Camacho allegedly told officers he had obtained the alcohol from his home.
The incident raises questions about security vulnerabilities in the downtown core of Salt Lake City, specifically regarding access between the City Creek Mall and adjacent buildings. While the investigation is ongoing, the case highlights the potential for individuals to exploit architectural connections for illicit purposes.
The arrest comes amid ongoing discussions about public safety and security measures in the downtown area, particularly following recent events such as a fire at a downtown apartment tower and a well-attended skijoring event. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about resource allocation and preventative strategies.
The case also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to incidents involving individuals potentially under the influence of alcohol. The combination of property damage, alleged flight from police, and underage drinking adds complexity to the legal proceedings.
Camacho’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. He remains in custody as the investigation continues and prosecutors prepare their case. The outcome of the proceedings could have implications for similar cases involving property damage and trespassing in the future.
The Salt Lake City Police Department has not released further details about the investigation, citing the ongoing nature of the case. However, officials have confirmed that they are reviewing security protocols at both the City Creek Mall and the Marriott Hotel to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
