SLC driver helps 12-year-old girl fend off suspected kidnapper; suspect in custody

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

The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. Friday near the Interstate 80 and 700 East overpass, according to Salt Lake City police.

According to police, the man was allegedly hiding behind a bush when he suddenly approached the girls, grabbed the 12-year-old by the wrist and began to pull her around.

“Both the 12-year-old and her friend fought back, were able to free themselves from the man’s grip and waved to a community member for help,” said a police press release.

“This community member immediately responded, assisted the girls and allowed our officers to get to the scene and begin the investigation,” said SLCPD spokesman Brent Weisberg. “So, once again, we are very fortunate that this community member was on the scene and was able to take action to help these two girls in this unimaginable situation.”

After searching the area, police arrested 29-year-old Mason Andrew Musser. He was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted child abduction.

Weisberg said they believe Musser was homeless and living on the streets near the I-80 overpass. Investigators believe this may have been an isolated incident between strangers, but are trying to determine if Musser had been in the area for some time or had seen the girls before.

“Violent crimes of this nature are very rare in Salt Lake City,” police said in the news release. “It is important that parents and guardians have age-appropriate conversations with their children about safety, including what to do if strangers approach them and how to respond in potentially dangerous or unwanted situations.”

Police also recommend that parents teach their children to stay in groups and identify trusted adults they can turn to if they feel unsafe.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department recognizes the bravery of the two minors involved in this incident,” police said in the news release. “This was a traumatic experience and police, through their Victim Assistance Program, will provide support and advocacy to those affected.”

Police said the community member who helped the girls may have information that could help in the investigation and asked the person to contact police at 801-799-3000.

“From what we know at this time, this community member happened to be in the right place at the right time and did the right thing to help these two girls during what must have been an unimaginably frightening situation for them,” Weisberg said. “So, on behalf of the Salt Lake City Police Department, we thank this community member. We hope you will come forward to help our investigators with their investigation, which is still ongoing this morning.”