Domestic violence suspect flees on bike, later arrested by Salt Lake police

SALT LAKE CITY — A 44-year-old man is in custody for domestic violence after Salt Lake City Police said he lied, argued with them, and then fled on a bicycle.

Salt Lake City 911 received a call around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, about a domestic disturbance near 1100 West 200 South, SLC. 

The call was about 44-year-old Abdule Rafal and a woman in a domestic dispute. 

According to a release from SLCPD, patrol officers arrived on the scene and began speaking with Rafal near the Fisher Mansion. Police said Rafal lied and argued with the officers and eventually took off on a bicycle. 

Then, officers provided a description of Rafal to other officers in the area and went to check on the victim, a 22-year-old woman. She was connected with a victim advocate.  

Related: Cox signs bill requiring lethality assessments in Utah domestic violence cases

An officer in the area spotted Rafal, said the release, near 500 South Emery Street. When that officer turned his patrol lights and sirens on, Rafal refused to stop. 

Therefore, the officer chased after Rafal, and additional officers responded to the scene to help. Rafal surrendered and police took him into custody at Sherwood Park, near West Iola Avenue,

An officer was treated on the scene for minor injuries.  

Police believe Rafal assaulted the 22-year-old and had a relationship with her. Officers later learned he was wanted by Adult Probation and Parole for violating an agreement. 

The domestic violence suspect, Rafal was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail for domestic violence assault. 

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship there is help available here in Utah and nationwide.

• YWCA’s Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
• Utah statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-897-LINK (5465) and udvc.org
• 24-hour Salt Lake victim advocate hotline: 801-580-7969
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233