A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attacking a man in a wheelchair with a baseball bat before fleeing the scene on a bicycle, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

The suspect, identified as Travis Martin, was taken into custody Wednesday evening following a brief search by officers in the downtown area. He also faces an additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia after investigators reportedly found a glass pipe and burnt tin foil among his belongings.

Details of the Attack

According to a probable cause statement filed in Utah’s Third District Court, officers were dispatched around 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to 134 South 700 West after receiving reports of an assault involving a bat. Witnesses told dispatchers that the suspect had already left the area, riding away on a bicycle.

Responding officers later located a man matching the description near 120 South Jeremy Street. Police say Martin appeared agitated, speaking rapidly, and displaying erratic behavior.

When questioned, Martin admitted to being in the area and having a verbal dispute with the victim but denied any physical altercation. Officers, however, noted several inconsistencies in his account. At one point, Martin reportedly told police, “I don’t need a bat to beat up someone.”

Evidence and Victim’s Injuries

Investigators said Martin gave conflicting statements before eventually admitting to lying about parts of the encounter. Officers later spoke with the victim, who had visible bruises consistent with being struck by a blunt object.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police recovered a metal bat near the scene of the alleged attack, believed to have been used during the assault.

During a search of Martin’s possessions, officers found a glass pipe and tin foil with burn marks, both identified as potential drug paraphernalia.

Charges and Next Steps

Travis Martin has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and charged with:

• Aggravated Assault (third-degree felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (class B misdemeanor)

Court records show Martin remains in custody pending his initial court appearance. The case remains under investigation by Salt Lake City police.