SLCPD Citywide Public Safety Enforcement Effort Results in 22 People Being Arrested
February 2, 2025 |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025 Media Contact Information |
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SLCPD Investigating Aggravated Kidnapping, Suspect in CustodySALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is investigating an aggravated kidnapping where the suspect is accused of holding a security guard against his will. This investigation started on January 9, 2025, when Salt Lake City Police received information about a possible aggravated assault at 1594 West North Temple. During the investigation, officers learned that on January 7, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., a man, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Emmett Barnes approached a private security guard and demanded a ride. The security guard refused, but Barnes is accused of forcing his way into the passenger seat, displaying a shard of glass and threatening the security guard. The security guard drove Barnes to a nearby gas station where he attempted to draw the attention of another security guard. Barnes is accused of holding the security guard against his will and demanded that he be taken to the security guard’s home. Detectives believe the alleged incident lasted approximately two hours before Barnes reportedly exited the security guard’s car and walked away. Detectives have consulted with the District Attorney’s Office regarding potential charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault. Officers booked Barnes into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on January 25, 2025, on unrelated charges. He remains in custody. 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 information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.
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