Man arrested near Granger High School accused of attempted kidnapping
Oct 10, 2023, 8:34 PM
FILE: Granger High School in West Valley City is pictured. A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping. among the items found in his possession was a copy of a police badge. (Steve Griffin/Deseret News)
(Steve Griffin/Deseret News)
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to kidnap two female students at Granger High School in West Valley.
Jonathan Calata allegedly followed the students and attempted to coax them into his vehicle. The students, feeling threatened, ran back into the high school, and the police subsequently apprehended Calata.
During a search of Calata’s belongings, law enforcement discovered various concerning items. Among the items found were pills, a vape pen, and brass knuckles. All of these items are prohibited on Granger High School grounds.
Most notably found in his bag was a copy of a police badge. This lead investigators to suspect that he may have been impersonating a police officer in order to lure students.
Calata has been taken into custody and booked at the Salt Lake County Jail while prosecutors review potential charges related to the incident.
Further developments in this case may emerge as the investigation unfolds.
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