Man arrested in Sugar House for attempted kidnapping of 12-year-old girl

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — A man was arrested Friday night for trying to kidnap a 12-year-old girl in Salt Lake City’s Sugar House neighborhood, according to Salt Lake City Police .

Mason Andrew Musser, 29, is facing one charge of attempted child kidnapping.

At around 10:45 p.m. on July 19, police received information about a “suspicious circumstance” near the I-80 overpass and 700 East. The report stated that a man, later identified as Musser, had grabbed a 12-year-old girl by the wrist and began pulling her.

The girl, along with her friend, fought back against the man and were able to break his grip. They then waved down a community member for help, police said.

Officers searched the area for Musser and later found him nearby and arrested him. Detectives with the SLCPD’s Special Victims Unit also responded to investigate.

“Detectives are trying to identify the community member who helped the girls,” SLCPD stated in a press release. “Detectives believe that person may have critical information to this case. That person is asked to contact the SLCPD by calling 801-799-3000.”

“Violent crime of this nature is very rare in Salt Lake City,” SLCPD stated. “It’s important for parents and guardians to have age-appropriate conversations with their children about safety, including what to do if approached by strangers and how to respond in potential dangerous or unwanted situations.”

“The Salt Lake City Police Department recognizes the bravery of the two minors involved in this incident. This was a traumatic experience, and the department, through its victim services program, will help provide support and advocacy to help those affected.”

No further information is available at this time.

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