A Salt Lake man is behind bars after police say he sexually assaulted a woman on a Utah Transit Authority bus, then forced her into a hospital bathroom in Murray, turning a routine ride into a late-night horror story. Investigators say the incident happened on June 19 and that they identified a suspect after reviewing surveillance video from the bus.
Clifford Holt, 55, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, where he is being held without bail, according to ABC4. An arrest statement cited by the outlet alleges Holt committed forcible sodomy, a first-degree felony, and forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. The report notes he had not yet been formally charged.
Investigators told ABC4 that bus surveillance footage shows the woman appearing visibly uncomfortable as she attempts to stop Holt, and that the alleged assault did not end when the bus ride did. According to the arrest paperwork described in the report, Holt allegedly had the woman get off near a Murray hospital and go into a bathroom, where the assault continued.
The Utah Transit Authority Police Department helped track down and question Holt, then assisted in taking him into custody as part of the investigation. UTA’s public-safety materials explain that transit police patrol buses and stations, respond to calls for service, and conduct follow-up investigations into crimes reported on the system. Riders can reach UTA Police dispatch at 801-287-3937 or text UTATIP to 274-637. The agency also outlines victim and witness assistance protocols for people who report crimes on UTA property, according to UTA.
What the charges mean
Under Utah law, forcible sodomy is a first-degree felony and can carry lengthy prison time, while forcible sexual abuse is generally charged as a felony under a separate statute. State law defines these offenses based on whether the sexual act or touching was without consent and the type of contact involved. In some situations, any sexual touching, even through clothing, can meet the legal threshold. Full definitions and penalty details are listed in Utah Code sections 76-5-403 and 76-5-404, available through the Utah Code.
Help for survivors and next steps
The ABC4 report included resources for survivors, noting the rape and sexual assault crisis line at 1-888-421-1100 and urging anyone with video or information about the incident to contact investigators. UTA’s public-safety guidance also details how riders can submit tips and preserve potential evidence for police, and the agency maintains procedures to assist victims and witnesses who come forward.
Prosecutors will now review the arrest packet and decide whether to file formal charges. Until that decision is made, the arrest report and jail booking record remain the primary public documents describing the case and the allegations against Holt.
