A shocking incident in Salt Lake City has left neighbours disturbed after hearing desperate screams for help from inside an apartment. What began as a normal evening quickly turned into a police emergency, ending with a 55-year-old man being taken into custody on serious charges.
What Neighbours Heard That Night
On Wednesday evening, residents living near the apartment said they heard a woman screaming loudly from inside one of the units. According to police, the woman was shouting, “Let go of me, you’re hurting me,” which immediately raised concern.
One witness also reported hearing a man shout at someone to get back inside the apartment, followed by the sound of the door being slammed shut. Fearing that the woman was in danger, the neighbour called the police without delay.
Police Arrive at the Apartment
Officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department reached the apartment soon after the call. When they knocked on the door, the man inside, later identified as Demian Edgar Austin Robbins, refused to open it.
Police say Robbins told them there was no woman inside the apartment. However, moments later, officers heard a woman screaming from within the home, which contradicted his statement. After this, Robbins finally opened the door.
As soon as the door opened, the woman ran out of the apartment crying and shouting for help. Officers noted that her face was covered in blood and she had clear bruises on the right side of her face and around her nose.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Court documents describe a disturbing sequence of events inside the apartment. Police say Robbins had blocked the apartment door using a trash can and a bicycle to stop the woman from leaving.
When she tried to escape, Robbins allegedly grabbed her by the back of her head and slammed her head against the ground. In an attempt to defend herself and stop the attack, the woman reportedly struck him in a sensitive area, which allowed her to break free.
Officers observed scratches on the woman’s neck and cheek, and police believe she may have suffered a broken nose. The woman also told officers that Robbins elbowed her while she was trying to get away.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Robbins, aged 55, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He is facing two serious charges:
| Charge | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kidnapping | Second-degree felony |
| Aggravated assault | Third-degree felony |
These charges reflect the seriousness of the incident and the injuries reportedly suffered by the woman.
Clarification from Police
Police later confirmed to ABC4.com that the incident is not being classified as domestic violence. This means the victim and the suspect are not believed to be family members or in a domestic relationship under Utah law.
Why This Case Matters
This incident highlights how important it is for neighbours to act when they sense something is wrong. The quick response from a witness may have prevented the situation from becoming even more dangerous.
It also shows how police rely on both community awareness and fast action to protect people in distress. The visible injuries and the woman’s escape played a key role in the arrest.
As the investigation continues, Robbins remains behind bars while the legal process moves forward. More details are expected to come out as the case goes to court.
