Man arrested after allegedly attempting to kidnap girl in Sugar House neighborhood

SALT LAKE CITY — Police say a 12-year-old girl and her friend are safe after fighting off a man who attempted to kidnap one of the girls.

 The man had jumped out of nearby bushes, reportedly grabbed the 12-year-old’s wrist and began pulling her, according to Brent Weisberg with the Salt Lake City Police Department

The incident happened on Friday around 10:45 p.m. near the I-80 overpass and 700 East, according to a SLCPD press release.

“Both the 12-year-old and her friend fought back, managed to break the man’s grip, and waved down a community member for help,” The press release stated.

Weisberg said the community member who helped the two minors was a big help in starting the investigation.

“This community member immediately stepped up, they helped these girls, and they allowed our officers to get there to the scene to start investigating,” Weisberg said. “We’re very fortunate that this community member was there, who was able to take action to help these two girls in what had to be an unimaginable situation.”

After searching the area, police arrested 29-year-old Mason Andrew Musser with attempted child kidnapping. 

“Violent crime of this nature is very rare in Salt Lake City,” police said in the press release. “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.”

Police gave these tips on teaching children about strangers and safety:

• Teach children to stay in groups
• Teach children to identify trusted adults they can approach if they feel unsafe
• Explain what to do if they are 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,” police said in the press release. “This was a traumatic experience, and the department, through its victim services program, will help provide support and advocacy to help those affected.”

Police said the community member who helped the girls may have information to help in this case’s investigation. Officers are asking the person to contact police by calling 801-799-3000.

“Based on what we know right now, this community member happened to be in the right place at the right time and did the right thing to help these two girls in a time that had to be an unimaginably scary situation for them,” Weisberg said. “So to that community member, on behalf of the Salt Lake City Police Department, we thank you. We hope you will come forward to help our detectives with their investigation that continues this morning.”

Related:

Suspect killed after alleged kidnapping in Millcreek

Salt Lake City police arrest man for alleged kidnapping Saturday