crime

West Valley City Man Charged with Assault and Attempted Escape from Police Custody

A West Valley City man faces serious charges after allegedly assaulting a neighbor and attempting to escape police custody.

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A West Valley City man has been charged with multiple offenses, including assault and attempted escape, following a disturbing incident involving his neighbor. The suspect, 58-year-old Allen Vanbuskirk, was arrested on Sunday and is currently being held without bail. Court documents reveal a series of alarming events that unfolded, painting a troubling picture of violence and desperation. According to police reports, the incident began when Vanbuskirk approached the victim outside their home, where he forcefully opened the victim's door. Notably, the victim was already dealing with a broken left hand, which limited their ability to defend themselves during the encounter. Once inside, Vanbuskirk allegedly grabbed the victim in an attempt to pull them further into the residence, which escalated into a physical struggle as the victim cried out for help. Eyewitness accounts detail the harrowing moments that followed. Vanbuskirk reportedly attempted to sexually assault the victim by putting his hands down their pants, a situation that was fortunately interrupted by the timely intervention of the victim's family members. This act of bravery likely prevented further harm, as they were able to confront Vanbuskirk and drive him out of the home. West Valley City police were alerted to the incident and arrived at the scene shortly after the assault occurred. However, by the time they arrived, Vanbuskirk had already left, prompting officers to begin searching for him. Hours later, he allegedly returned to the vicinity of the victim's home, attempting once again to gain entry. Witnesses reported seeing him lurking outside the front window, raising alarms among the neighborhood and prompting further police involvement. The situation escalated when officers located Vanbuskirk and placed him under arrest. However, the trouble did not end there. As police were escorting him to a transport vehicle for a medical evaluation, Vanbuskirk attempted to flee. Detectives stated that he noticed an open exit gate at the jail and seized the opportunity to walk away. Officers quickly reacted, apprehending him and bringing him to the ground. In a shocking turn of events, Vanbuskirk allegedly made an attempt to grab the Taser of one of the officers during the struggle. Fortunately, additional officers arrived on the scene promptly, allowing them to regain control of the situation and secure Vanbuskirk back into custody without further incident. Once at the hospital, Vanbuskirk reportedly confessed to staff that he had consumed methamphetamine, a detail that may have implications for his mental state and behavior during the incidents. Methamphetamine use can induce aggressive behavior and impaired judgment, which could provide context for the violent actions he is accused of committing. Following these events, Allen Vanbuskirk now faces numerous charges, including burglary of a dwelling, assault, sexual battery, attempted escape, and interfering with a peace officer. Each charge carries serious consequences, and if convicted, Vanbuskirk could face significant time behind bars. This case has raised concerns about safety and community well-being, particularly given the nature of the alleged crimes and the potential risks posed by individuals who engage in such violent acts. Local residents are understandably shaken, and many are calling for increased awareness and preventative measures to address similar incidents in the future. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The West Valley City Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of its community and holding individuals accountable for their actions. Vanbuskirk’s next court appearance is expected to provide further clarity on the legal proceedings that will follow, as the community watches closely to see how this disturbing case unfolds.