PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Investigating Domestic Violence Stabbing, Arson

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating a domestic violence-related arson and stabbing that resulted in two people being injured, including the suspect.

This investigation started at 1:19 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, when SLC911 received reports of a disturbance near Faultline Park. The exact address is not being released because this is a domestic violence investigation.

Officers learned the suspect, a 22-year-old man, stabbed his roommate. The motive remains under investigation.

After being stabbed, the 23-year-old victim hid inside a lower portion of the residence. The suspect is accused of following the victim, pouring an accelerant on the floor, and starting a fire.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department responded and put out the fire before it spread.

Although the actual fire damage to the residence is minimal, firefighters reported damage related the accelerant, smoke, and water.

Officers detained the suspect and began an investigation.

Paramedics took the victim to the hospital with serious injuries. Those injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Paramedics took the suspect to a separate hospital with minor injuries related to the fire.

During transport, one of the ambulances lost traction due to winter-like conditions and crashed. Officers reported only minor damage and no injuries.

After being cleared from the hospital the suspect will be booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges including aggravated assault and aggravated arson.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Crime Lab responded to process the scenes with the help of the Salt Lake City Fire Department’s Arson Investigations Unit.

A SLCPD police officer received minor injuries related to smoke exposure during the arrest. The officer is recovering.

The name of the suspect will not be released until he is booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

The Salt Lake City Police Department reminds our community of the resources available to support survivors of domestic violence in Utah.

·      Utah Department of Human Services: Domestic Violence Services

·      Utah Domestic Violence Coalition

The Salt Lake City Police Department encourages anyone who has experienced Domestic Violence to call us at 801-799-3000 and ask to speak with a Victim Advocate or call their 24-hour hotline directly at 801-580-7969. All services are free, and callers can get information anonymously.

###