A 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped and taken to an Airbnb in Utah was rescued after asking for help through the SafeUT app.
Jonathan David-Epp Simonji, 26, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Police received a call after 3 a.m. Saturday and were informed about the teenager “being picked up by an adult who refused to let her leave a home,” the Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement.
Investigators eventually learned that the girl was taken to the Airbnb after Simonji forced her into a car while she was walking back home, according to ABC4 Utah.
“Officers believe Simonji, while in a car near 700 South 300 East, pulled up next to the girl, while she was walking home, and attempted to lure her inside of his car with alcohol and food. After the girl refused and tried running away, Simonji is accused of forcefully putting her in his car,” police said.
The girl was taken to the Airbnb, where Simonji offered her more alcohol and refused to let her go.
The teen victim later told the police that when she could not get hold of her friends or family, she downloaded the SafeUT app, which is “a crisis chat and tip line that provides real-time crisis intervention for students, parents/guardians, and educators through live chat and a confidential tip line,” police said, as quoted by Lexington Herald-Leader.
A worker on the app spoke to the girl and then informed the police about the situation she was in. Responding officers arrived at the scene and found Simonji in bed with the girl.
The teenager was safely rescued, but officers could not immediately take Simonji into custody. He accused reportedly closed the door and locked himself inside the rental home, refusing to come out and comply with officers.
It took two hours before the cops managed to convince Simonji to come outside. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Officials said the teenager and the accused had no connection prior to the kidnapping.
While speaking to officers, Simonji said he had “gone out” and “returned with a girl who was on her phone the whole time,” according to the probable cause affidavit.
Simonji is facing a second-degree felony charge of kidnapping as a result of the incident.
“The SLCPD reminds community members to always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back,” police said in a statement. “If you can, make sure you walk with someone you know and trust. Although safety apps and text to 9-1-1 are increasingly becoming more popular, the SLCPD reminds community members that often, the fastest way to reach help in an emergency is by calling 9-1-1.”
