A 32-year-old Salt Lake City man is behind bars after a woman told police he sexually assaulted her while she was out for a run along the Jordan River Trail on May 30, leaving her shaken and now afraid to use that stretch of the path.
According to KSL, police booked Brigham Vladlen Morse, 32, into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of aggravated sexual assault, attempted aggravated sexual assault, and unlawful detention. The booking affidavit states the woman was running on the trail between 200 South and North Temple when Morse allegedly approached her, made sexual comments, touched her buttocks, and placed a hand on her lower back as he followed.
The affidavit also says Morse warned the woman that he had a short temper, then hugged her and gave her his name and phone number before walking away. Investigators later used the information she provided, along with surveillance video, to identify Morse and arrest him on Thursday. The woman told investigators she felt afraid during the encounter and said she no longer feels safe using that section of the trail.
Trail Enforcement And Safety
Salt Lake City police have been running targeted enforcement along the Jordan River Trail in recent years to crack down on illegal activity and reassure people who use the path. In a February 2025 news release, the Salt Lake City Police Department described coordinated operations that used drone footage and bike squads to contact groups and make arrests along stretches of the trail.
SLCPD noted that charging information can change as investigations move forward and encouraged the public to report suspicious behavior to help officers respond quickly.
Help For Survivors
Anyone affected by sexual assault can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), text HOPE to 64673, or chat via RAINN for confidential, 24/7 support and local referrals. Local victim advocates and health providers can also help survivors with medical care, reporting options, and safety planning.
Legal Next Steps
Morse remains booked in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail while investigators and prosecutors review the case. As with any criminal matter, the allegations must be proven in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted.
