This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Unified Police say they are looking for a violent, armed and dangerous fugitive after the man escaped a Taylorsville home during a weekend standoff with SWAT.
Gustavo Samaniego, 32, was wanted on several arrest warrants, including one for domestic violence assault, when UPD arrived at the home near 3800 W. Ridgecrest Drive (about 5000 South) late Saturday.
He had fled to the residence after allegedly threatening his ex-wife and her daughter with a firearm at a home in Magna earlier Saturday afternoon.
After UPD was notified that Samaniego had been seen entering the Taylorsville home, SWAT was called in and neighboring houses were evacuated. Residents of the home where Samaniego was believed to have barricaded himself were able to leave.
Several hours of attempted negotiations were unsuccessful, so about 2 a.m. Sunday SWAT officers entered the home to find it empty. Apparently, Samaniego had managed to slip by officers before they had completed setting up their containment earlier.
According to 3rd District Court records, Samaniego — who also goes by the names Sergio Olivares and Juan Durazo — has a criminal record that includes a history of assault, weapons and drug-related offenses.
On Monday, UPD asked for the public's help in finding Samaniego, urging anyone with information to call 801-743-7000.
Twitter: @remims