crime

Salt Lake City Police Arrest Two Men After Distress Text Leads to Rescue

Two men were arrested in Salt Lake City after a woman texted 911, revealing her kidnapping and assault.

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In a harrowing incident that underscores the importance of emergency communication, two men were arrested by Salt Lake City police following a distress text sent to 911 by a woman who was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted. The suspects, identified as James Steven Angelo, 26, and Ulices Alfaro Silva, 25, face multiple charges, including rape, stemming from the incident that took place on Tuesday. The situation unfolded when the victim, whose identity has not been disclosed for her protection, managed to send a text to 911 indicating her dire circumstances. In her message, she stated that she was a passenger in a gray Mazda with two men who were under the influence of cocaine. This brave act of reaching out for help proved pivotal in ensuring her safety. Responding to the distress call, deputies from Davis County quickly located the vehicle parked at the Gailey Trail Trailhead in Nicholls Park, Fruit Heights. Upon approaching the Mazda, officers observed the victim mouthing the words "help me," an urgent plea that immediately prompted further action. After safely extracting her from the vehicle, deputies were informed by the victim that she had been sexually assaulted. As police began to piece together the events leading up to the incident, the woman reported that another man, Angelo, had been involved in the assault but had left the scene before law enforcement arrived. According to the victim, the trio had initially purchased alcohol at a downtown Salt Lake City liquor store before proceeding to a nearby parking garage. There, they reportedly consumed the alcohol until the victim began to feel unwell and started vomiting. The situation escalated when the group drove to a grocery store, where the victim claimed that the men used cocaine while she was in and out of consciousness in the back seat. Tragically, during this time, she alleges that they sexually assaulted her, and the assault was recorded using Meta glasses, a detail that investigators found particularly disturbing. Desperate for help, the victim opted to text 911 instead of calling, fearing that speaking could jeopardize her safety with the suspects still in the vehicle. This decision highlights the growing reliance on text-based emergency services, particularly for individuals who may find themselves in precarious situations where vocal communication could put them at risk. Upon searching the Mazda, detectives discovered cocaine residue on the center console, further corroborating the victim's account of drug use during the incident. The evidence gathered by law enforcement not only substantiates the victim's claims but also raises concerns about the dangerous behaviors exhibited by the suspects. Angelo and Silva were apprehended shortly after the victim was rescued. Both men now face serious charges that could lead to significant prison sentences if convicted. Local law enforcement officials have praised the victim's courage in reaching out for help, emphasizing the importance of having multiple avenues for emergency communication. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in similar circumstances and highlights the critical role that emergency responders play in ensuring the safety of victims. The Salt Lake City Police Department and the Davis County Sheriff's Office are working collaboratively to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, which will include interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available video evidence from the parking garage where the incident occurred. While the legal proceedings against Angelo and Silva are just beginning, the victim continues to receive support from local advocacy groups focused on assisting survivors of sexual assault. These organizations play a vital role in providing counseling, legal assistance, and other resources to help individuals navigate the aftermath of such traumatic experiences. As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, it serves as a call to action for increased awareness regarding safety and emergency response options. Advocates encourage individuals to be vigilant and to utilize available resources to protect themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations. The importance of education around the use of emergency services, especially in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault, cannot be overstated, as more individuals like the victim in this case may find themselves needing to reach out for help in silence. As the investigation continues, both law enforcement and community leaders are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward, reinforcing the community’s commitment to ensuring safety and accountability for all its members.