The Salt Lake City Police Department is currently embroiled in an investigation of an aggravated kidnapping case where a suspect, Joshua Emmett Barnes, aged 37, is alleged to have taken a security guard hostage. According to SLCPD, the alarming situation began on the night of January 7th when Barnes reportedly demanded a ride from the security guard at 1594 West North Temple.
The guard, whose refusal did not deter Barnes, faced a threat as the suspect supposedly forced his entry into the vehicle, brandishing a piece of glass. The situation escalated to the point where the guard, to seek help, drove to a nearby gas station, thereby attempting to gain the attention of another security official. Barnes, however, is accused of continuing to hold the guard against his will, demanding to be taken to the latter’s home. It is believed that the purported captivity lasted for about two hours before Barnes left the vehicle and absconded.
Investigators, after consulting with the District Attorney's Office, are considering charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault against Barnes. He was detained and booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on January 25, on charges that have not been publicly disclosed as they are unrelated to this incident. Notably, he remains in custody pending further proceedings. It is important to point out, per the standard protocol, that charges are mere allegations, and Barnes is to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
