An 18-year-old is facing two counts of aggravated robbery and seven counts of aggravated assault after allegedly chasing down seven people with a machete and robbing two of them in Salt Lake City. The suspect, identified as Anthony Ray Turnbow, allegedly knew his victims personally, including where they went to school, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The confrontation began as the group of seven was walking back from playing basketball when Turnbow allegedly approached them carrying the machete and threatened them, according to the affidavit cited by KUTV. From there, the situation escalated quickly as Turnbow allegedly chased the group while still carrying the weapon, at one point attempting to swing it at them, though the affidavit states he did not make contact.
Two of the seven tried to escape by hiding in a nearby backyard, but the affidavit says Turnbow tracked them down anyway. Once he found them, he allegedly ordered the pair to kneel and empty their pockets before taking their wallets and going through the contents himself, per the same account relayed by the station.
Victims Report Injuries, Face Added Misdemeanor Counts
Beyond the robbery allegations, the two victims who were confronted directly reported that Turnbow assaulted them, resulting in minor injuries, according to the affidavit. Turnbow is also facing two misdemeanor assault counts tied to the encounter, on top of the aggravated robbery and aggravated assault charges stemming from the broader incident involving all seven people.
Under Utah law, an aggravated robbery charge can apply when a person uses or threatens to use a dangerous weapon, or causes serious bodily injury, during the course of a robbery, according to the Utah State Legislature's criminal code. The affidavit's separate account that Turnbow threatened the victims with the machete while ordering them to empty their pockets places the alleged weapon threat in the course of the robbery; the earlier chase alone does not establish that timing.
Affidavit Cites Prior Relationship as Bail Concern
What appears to have alarmed investigators enough to argue against bail is the claim that Turnbow was not a stranger to those he's accused of chasing and robbing. The affidavit states he knew the victims and where they went to school and argues that his release on bail could pose a danger to the victims and the public.
It remains unclear whether Turnbow has entered a plea or what, if any, bail arrangement was ultimately set.
