WEST JORDAN, Utah, Sept. 13, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — A West Jordan man has been booked into jail after a woman told police he kidnapped her, held her against her will for more than three weeks, assaulted her, and broke her phone when she tried to call for help.
The victim said she was able to escape the residence, on S. Susan Circle in West Jordan, after the suspect left on Friday, Sept. 10. She had been confined since Aug. 17, her statement says.
Suspect Shawn Michael Vanhorne, 44, faces charges of:
- Kidnapping, a second-degree felony
- Assault, a class B misdemeanor
- Commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, a class B misdemeanor
- Criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor
The “Victim reported suspect physically prevented victim from leaving on 09/10/2021, causing a large bruise on victim’s left arm, which I observed,” says the probable cause statement filed by an officer of the West Jordan Police Department.
“Victim was able to show me several marks on victim’s person which victim reported were from two weeks ago. Victim was able to show me photographs of the bruises from 08/19/2021, which victim reported was the day suspect assaulted her the first time.”
The woman said Vanhorne broke her cell phone “when victim attempted to use it. Victim reported suspect would not let victim communicate with friends or family.”
The woman also said Vanhorne assaulted her in front of children who reside at the residence.
“The current offense is a felony. There is substantial evidence to support the charge, and through clear and convincing evidence would constitute a substantial danger to another individual or to the community, or is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court if released on bail,” the statement says. “Victim reported suspect threatened to kill her if she left. Victim is very afraid suspect will come to her residence.”
Vanhorne is being held without bail.
