Aggravated Kidnapping and Robbery Charges Filed

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced three felony charges filed against Joseph Schultz, 28, including aggravated kidnapping and robbery.
 
On February 21, 2025, the unified police responded to reports of a carjacking at 3500 South and 8400 West in Magna. The victim had texted 911 and told them that she was in the back of her own vehicle and that the defendant was driving, refusing to stop. The victim told 911 she could not get out of the vehicle and feared for her safety. Police found the vehicle, but the defendant sped away when they tried to stop it. The defendant drove through city streets, speeding, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic. Officers were able to successfully spike the tires to the vehicle and take the defendant into custody after he got out of the vehicle and tried running from them. The victim told police she initially agreed to give the defendant a ride and allowed him to drive, but he began driving aimlessly and would not let her out. When she asked the defendant to stop, he told her to “shut up.” The defendant told the victim he needed to steal another vehicle to escape. After officers tried to stop the vehicle, she pleaded with the defendant to stop, but he refused. The defendant said he was nervous about stopping because he was on the run from Adult Probation and Parole.
 
The defendant is charged with one count of first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, one count of second-degree felony robbery, one count of third-degree felony failure to respond to an officer’s signal to stop, and one count of Class A misdemeanor reckless endangerment. Charges were filed against they defendant on Monday February 24, 2025.
 
“This would have been a terrifying experience for anyone to go through. No one should be victimized, especially when simply trying to offer help to another. Our Survivor and Victim Services Division will work with the victim to ensure she is connected to the resources that can help with the effects of this alleged crime,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”