crime

Two West Valley Men Arrested for Kidnapping and Assaulting Pregnant Woman

Two men in West Valley City face serious charges after kidnapping and assaulting a pregnant woman, highlighting the urgent issue of domestic violence.

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In a shocking incident that has drawn attention in West Valley City, two local men were arrested on Thursday after being accused of multiple instances of kidnapping and assaulting a woman, who is also three months pregnant. The alarming event unfolded in the vicinity of 3100 South 5100 West, where a FedEx driver witnessed a disturbing scene and promptly reported it to the authorities, setting off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the suspects' capture and the victim's rescue. According to arresting documents obtained by FOX 13 News, the FedEx driver reported seeing one of the suspects physically overpowering the woman and forcefully dragging her down the street. The driver recorded the incident and provided police with critical video footage that not only captured the assault but also identified the suspects’ vehicle, thereby aiding law enforcement in their investigation. When police arrived at the scene shortly after 1:00 p.m., neither the victim nor the suspects were present. However, the victim’s mother, who had been tracking her daughter’s cell phone, reached out to the Utah Highway Patrol. Thanks to her efforts, authorities were able to locate the suspects’ vehicle a short distance away, leading to the apprehension of the two men. The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. At the hospital, the victim disclosed to police that she shared a child with one of the suspects and was pregnant with another child. Her harrowing account detailed numerous instances of physical and sexual violence inflicted upon her by the suspect, whom she identified as the father of her child. The most recent assault was reportedly triggered by the suspect's unfounded accusations of infidelity. In a desperate attempt to protect herself, the victim managed to grab a knife; however, the suspect’s family intervened and seized the weapon from her, forcing her to flee the home. The victim ran a few blocks away but was soon tracked down by the same suspect. This encounter led to the dramatic scene witnessed by the FedEx driver, where the two men were seen striking the victim and forcing her into their vehicle. Additional footage from a bystander corroborated the victim’s claims, showing the men physically assaulting her and compelling her into the car against her will. Once inside the vehicle, the nightmare continued. The suspects drove to a nearby fast-food restaurant, where the victim once again attempted to escape by opening the car door. However, her efforts were thwarted when one of the suspects pulled her back inside, while the other closed the door, attempting to choke her to silence her screams. The victim's life was hanging by a thread as she faced imminent danger at the hands of her abductors. The harrowing ordeal escalated as the suspects transported the victim to a TRAX station in Murray, where they employed child-locks on the vehicle doors to prevent her from escaping. It was during this phase that one of the men allegedly made an attempt to sexually assault her. The victim's desperate fight for survival intensified, leading to further violent attempts by the suspect to choke her into submission. Following their capture, both suspects were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, where they are currently being held without bail. They face several serious charges, including felony kidnapping, assault, and domestic violence. Legal experts have noted the gravity of these charges, especially given the circumstances surrounding the victim’s pregnancy and the shared child between the victim and one of the suspects. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the critical need for support systems for victims. Organizations such as the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition offer 24/7 assistance for individuals experiencing intimate partner violence. They can be reached at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) or through their website at udvc.org. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is another vital resource, available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or through their online live-chat service at thehotline.org. As the case develops, it sheds light on the urgent need for community awareness and action against domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, it is crucial to call 9-1-1 for assistance. The community’s vigilance and support for victims can make a significant difference in preventing such tragic events in the future.