Breaking News:

LOCAL NEWS

Man in custody for kidnapping woman, holding three people against their will

Aug 28, 2022, 6:10 PM | Updated: Jun 25, 2024, 10:12 am

FILE PHOTO...

FILE — (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

 TOOELE COUNTY, Utah — A man was arrested after allegedly kidnapping a woman at gunpoint and holding three other victims against their will.

The man was identified by court documents as 58-year-old Sammy Eugene Woodrow Blackbear.

Police received calls of gunshots in Skull Valley Indian Reservation.

The documents state that Blackbear took a woman at gunpoint, threatening to shoot her if she did not drive him out of the area.

The woman began to drive down State Route 196 south while Blackbear threatened her and discharged the handgun out the window two times.

Blackbear demanded that the woman drive him to Grantsville, but when she refused, he put the gun up to her leg saying, “I’ll shoot your foot off if you don’t keep driving.”

The woman continued to drive until Blackbear “told her to stop at a residence in Tooele County.”

According to court documents the woman then left the area as Blackbear entered the residence.

Once inside, Blackbear “instructed the three individuals at the residence to lock the door.”

Blackbear remained in the home and would not leave as he held the three people against their will, continuing to threaten them with his handgun, “placing his finger on the trigger multiple times.”

Court documents state, “Law enforcement units arrived on scene and a hostage negotiator was able to convince him to exit the residence where he was taken into custody. A criminal history check was performed on [Blackbear] and it was found he is a convicted felon as of 1985. He should not have been in possession of any firearms.”

Blackbear may be charged with four counts of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated assault, two counts of use of a firearm by a restricted person, and two counts of felony discharge of a firearm.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Bikers pause at the Virgin River in St. George on April 10, 2021. Extreme drought returned to the S...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

St. George mayor gives update on water security efforts amid extreme drought

As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, St. George has to face the challenges associated with a rapidly growing population base.

8 minutes ago

A U.S. Coast Guard boat, left, and a U.S. Navy boat work near Shelter Island after a U.S. Navy plan...

Garna Mejia

Utahns witness San Diego military jet crash, service members rescued from ocean

A group of Utahns witnessed the military jet crash in the San Diego Bay on Wednesday, and they were on a private fishing boat that rescued the two service members involved.

56 minutes ago

A new bill being debated this legislative session could provide hundreds of more high school kids w...

Dan Rascon

New Utah bill could provide technical education to hundreds more high school students

A new bill being debated this legislative session could open the door for hundreds of more high school kids to technical careers—before they graduate.

11 hours ago

One man is dead after police said a stabbing took place between two men in Cedar City Wednesday....

Carlysle Price

One man killed in stabbing, another in police custody, deputies say

One man is dead after police said a stabbing took place between two men in Cedar City Wednesday.

11 hours ago

Snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon...

Brian Carlson

Troopers urge caution to holiday travelers as winter storms move in

An incoming storm ahead of Presidents' Day weekend could be a bad combination for holiday travelers.

12 hours ago

Snow covers the mountains during an early season snowstorm in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Thursday,...

Simone Seikaly

Experts issue winter storm warning for Wasatch Back, Park City

Weather forecasters are predicting a winter storm will move into Utah on Thursday and that it will stick around through Saturday.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Man in custody for kidnapping woman, holding three people against their will