Utah Burglary Suspect Flees Police, Locks Self In Church, Calls 911: Cops

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — An alleged serial burglar in Utah fled police and tried to hide in a church, but had to call 911 to be rescued when he accidentally locked himself in a boiler room, authorities said.

Shane Paul Owen, 46, called dispatchers for help Tuesday, more than six hours after trapping himself in the church's boiler room, Salt Lake City police said.

Officers searched for Owens on Monday because he was suspected in a slew of burglaries and had warrants out for his arrest. An officer spotted him and tried to pull his vehicle over, but Owen fled, got out of his car and ran into the church, police said.

A SWAT team held a standoff at the church until Owens called to be rescued.

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