Man suspected of kidnapping, child abuse after police said he attacked minor over prank

SALT LAKE CITY — A man could face child abuse and kidnapping charges after reportedly injuring a child he claims doorbell-ditched his home.

Last Friday around 9:45 p.m., Salt Lake City Police said a minor and four friends decided to doorbell ditch some nearby houses. The victim rang the doorbell and ran, only to be chased down by the homeowner on a bike. The homeowner, identified as Tony Arnold Bernstone, caught up and reportedly grabbed him by the shirt.

Police said Bernstone pushed the victim against a chain link fence, slapping his face and punching his stomach. A witness said the victim was screaming for help, saying he was sorry, while Bernstone repeated that he was going to beat him. 

According to charging documents, Bernstone took a photo of the victim while holding him by the neck, later claiming it was to show the police. 

The child called his father through his smartwatch, and they all agreed to meet at a nearby Maverick. The victim later told police he didn’t feel safe enough to attempt an escape.

Officers arrived a short time later and questioned Bernstone, who admitted to pushing the boy up against a fence and slapping his mouth. After being read his Miranda rights, however, police said he denied the claims and said he did not take a photo.

Bernstone told police he had been dealing with kids doorbell-ditching at his house for several years and was frustrated with it. He acknowledged that the victims in this situation were not the same kids he had dealt with before. 

Bernstone was then booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. 

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