It was a brutal scene inside a West Jordan group home on Sunday, according to police, where a resident was left with severe, life-threatening facial injuries after a violent attack. The injured person was rushed to a hospital and taken into surgery, and an employee at the home managed to restrain the suspect until officers arrived.
West Jordan police arrested Arlen Willisen and booked him into the Salt Lake County Jail. He is accused of mayhem, aggravated assault, and misdemeanor assault, with mayhem described by police as a second-degree felony. Detectives announced the charges after responding to the group home on Sunday, and investigators told ABC4 the attack could have been deadly.
Court documents lay out a grim description of what officers found. According to records reviewed by ABC4, the filings state that "the bone of the victim's chin was exposed and the victim's nose was folded over and disconnected," and investigators reported seeing blood inside the residence. Police say the victim had large cuts and bite marks and needed surgery for injuries they called potentially fatal. An employee who helped restrain Willisen outside the home was also reportedly bitten during the struggle.
Inside The Group Home
According to West Jordan police, both the arrested resident and the injured resident are diagnosed with autism, are nonverbal, and live together at the group home. Staff members were the first to step in, restraining the suspect until officers could take him into custody. Detectives are still interviewing employees and collecting evidence as the case moves toward possible prosecution.
Legal Fallout
Willisen faces a mayhem charge, which under Utah law involves unlawfully and intentionally depriving, disabling, or mutilating a part of another person's body, including slitting or otherwise injuring a nose. The offense is treated as a second-degree felony under state statute, as outlined in the Utah Code. Prosecutors will decide how to handle formal filings and any potential plea discussions. As with all criminal cases, Willisen is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
What Comes Next
Police say Willisen remains in the Salt Lake County Jail while detectives finish their investigation and prepare the case for the county prosecutor. The county provides an online inmate lookup tool that lists recent bookings and current custody status. Salt Lake County notes that official court documents will ultimately set the formal charges and court dates.
Questions About Group Home Safety
Advocates say incidents like this underscore how vulnerable people in group homes can be and how much they depend on trained staff and clear emergency plans. The Autism Council of Utah and other local organizations have repeatedly pushed for stronger notification systems and better workforce training for caregivers who support adults with autism. In its safety materials, the Autism Council of Utah emphasizes helping caregivers and families prepare for communication and safety challenges in residential settings.
West Jordan police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact their tip line. The department has declined to release further details while detectives coordinate with prosecutors.
