Message from Police Chief Ferguson - Stolen E-Bike Search Warrant Service and Recovery

As there has been some media coverage on a search warrant service conducted by the Draper Police Department, I wanted to provide the Draper community with the full context of the case.

On December 16, 2025, Draper Police detectives were provided with GPS tracking data by the victim of a felony theft of an e-bicycle. The tracking data showed the location of the vehicle at a residence in Sandy. Detectives used the information provided by the victim to conduct an independent investigation, monitoring the GPS location throughout the day, and verifying that the GPS device was tracking to the address in Sandy. 

The technology used to establish probable cause in this case is the same technology that is commonly used to locate stolen property, such as luggage, backpacks, wallets, and even pets.   Based on this information, detectives sought a search warrant for that address. The request for a search warrant was reviewed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office and was signed by a Third District Court Judge.

Before serving the warrant, detectives researched any criminal history at the Sandy address. They found there was a previous warrant service by UPD SWAT that resulted in an arrest for weapon and drug-related charges. The person arrested in that case is related to current occupants of the residence.

At the time of the warrant service, officers knocked, announced themselves, and spoke with an adult female who opened the door. They informed all of the occupants of the residence that they were there to serve a warrant and recover a stolen e-bicycle. After discovering the e-bicycle was not at the residence, detectives requested an audible ping from the GPS device and found the e-bicycle was behind an adjacent residence. The e-bicycle was covered with a tarp, which was visible from the warrant location. The e-bicycle was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing. 

An occupant of the residence where the warrant was served posted allegations of officer misconduct on social media. An administrative review, including a review of body camera footage, disproved these claims - at no time was anyone handcuffed, restricted to a certain area in the residence, subject to having firearms pointed at their heads, or pets mistreated. 

The morning after the search warrant was served, I extended an invitation to the occupant who had alleged misconduct to meet with her to address her concerns and view the body-worn camera footage. She declined to meet with me and said she was seeking advice from an attorney. 

Detectives understand GPS technology is not an exact science, and Draper PD is committed to adapting policy related to the use of technology as needed. However, we will never compromise the safety of our officers and the general public.

Chief Rich Ferguson