Ogden, UT – A 53-year-old Layton man has pleaded guilty to a series of charges stemming from a dramatic incident in Logan last month, which led to a multi-agency car chase and a standoff with SWAT teams.
Robert Keith Bloomer, who appeared in Logan’s 1st District Court on December 9, admitted to stealing items from the south Logan Walmart on November 9, 2023, before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. Bloomer’s flight from law enforcement sparked a high-speed chase that ended in multiple collisions and a tense standoff with police.
As part of a plea deal, Bloomer pleaded guilty to theft, a second-degree felony; failing to stop at the command of law enforcement, a third-degree felony; as well as possession of a controlled substance and retail theft, both class A misdemeanors. He also pleaded guilty to driving with a measurable controlled substance, a class B misdemeanor. In exchange, prosecutors dropped 10 other counts related to the incident.
According to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the sequence of events began when Bloomer stole merchandise from the Walmart in south Logan. Deputies quickly located his vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but Bloomer initially stopped briefly before fleeing the scene. During the pursuit, Bloomer crashed into multiple vehicles, causing property damage and putting pedestrians and other drivers at risk.
The chase came to an abrupt halt when Bloomer crashed into another vehicle at 1700 South SR-165, near Providence. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, Logan City Police, and Utah Highway Patrol, immediately responded to assist those involved in the collisions and apprehend Bloomer.
Bloomer, who remained in his vehicle, claimed to be armed and refused to surrender. Due to the threat of potential violence, the Cache/Logan SWAT team was called to the scene. Despite multiple attempts by SWAT negotiators to peacefully persuade Bloomer to surrender, he continued to resist. After an extended standoff, less-lethal pepper ball rounds were deployed, and Bloomer finally surrendered to authorities.
Bloomer, who has a lengthy criminal record, has faced multiple arrests in the past, including charges for vehicle theft, firearm possession, and other crimes. Court records show previous encounters with law enforcement in Farmington District Court.
He remains in the Cache County Jail and faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 27, 2024. The case highlights the risks posed by individuals with a history of non-compliance and violent behavior and underscores the significant challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety.