Attempted Carjacking Rocks Salt Lake City
A frightening scene unfolded at a Home Depot parking lot in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a 57-year-old victim narrowly escaped a vicious attempted carjacking by Kay Elder, 36, of Farmington, Utah.
According to authorities, the harrowing incident occurred on January 3, 2024 when Elder approached the victim’s vehicle at the 328 West 2100 South location. He allegedly opened the driver’s door and began yelling at the victim to exit the car and hand over the keys.
The victim, understandably shaken, complied with Elder’s demands and stepped out of the vehicle. But Elder’s aggression didn’t subside. He attempted to strike and kick the victim but missed. In a chilling display of violence, Elder then grabbed the victim and threw him into a nearby tree, causing the victim to fall to the ground.
Despite the victim’s best efforts to stop him, Elder managed to get into the vehicle and attempted to start the engine. However, the victim had possession of the car key fob, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Witnesses to the ordeal quickly called the authorities, and officers arrived at the scene to find Elder fleeing the scene in oncoming traffic.
The officers, undeterred by Elder’s reckless behavior, attempted to apprehend him. But he refused to comply, ignoring multiple commands to stop. In a bizarre display of desperation, Elder grabbed a metal sign from a nearby gas station and hurled it at the pursuing officers. The officers, forced to take action to protect themselves, deployed their tasers, bringing Elder’s violent outburst to an end.
Elder, now in custody, faces attempted carjacking charges. His initial court appearance took place on January 22, 2024 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The U.S. Attorney, Trina A. Higgins, of the District of Utah made the announcement. An FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Esqueda handling the prosecution.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a collaborative effort aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the United States.
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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