Utah trooper arrested for allegedly assaulting daughter’s friend
Apr 16, 2024, 3:20 PM | Updated: 4:58 pm
Utah HIghway Patrol responded to a crash on State Route 40 that killed a 19-year-old. (Utah Highway Patrol)
(Utah Highway Patrol)
RICHFIELD, Utah — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his daughter’s friend while off duty.
Bronson Wood, 46, was booked into the Sevier County Jail. He is suspected of felony sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Richfield police said that on March 18, 2023, Wood inappropriately touched a 19-year-old woman without her consent after he gave her alcohol.
According to police documents, this happened at Wood’s home, when the woman was visiting Bronson Wood’s daughter and two others.
Police who interviewed the woman said she was initially hesitant to report the incident because of the Wood’s position as a Utah trooper. She told investigators she didn’t think she would be believed.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said it learned of the alleged assault on March 19, 2024. Wood was placed on administrative leave as an outside agency investigated the incident.
The DPS said it has “begun internal processes to formally address this matter.”
