Car break-in at motel gains thief FBI gear

SOUTH JORDAN — An overnight car break-in at a South Jordan motel could land the thief in a federal prison.

The property stolen — including a long-arm .308 rifle — belongs to an Idaho FBI agent.

"They committed a federal felony even though they thought they were just doing a 'smash and grab,' " said Robert Wright with the Salt Lake FBI office. "That increases the stakes quite substantially."

The agent was in Utah for training at Camp Williams last week and staying at the Country Inn and Suites, 10400 S. Jordan Gateway (400 West). He left the weapon in a padlocked case inside his sport utility vehicle overnight, along with a jumpsuit, bulletproof vest and a protective helmet, Wright said. The thief broke a passenger-side window of the SUV and made off with all the items.

A motel maintenance worker noticed the broken window while in the motel parking lot the next morning, just minutes before the agent discovered the break-in, Wright said. Motel staff called South Jordan police, who are investigating along with the FBI.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact the Salt Lake FBI office at 579-1400 or South Jordan police, 254-4708.