Police search for man who tried to abduct woman at gunpoint in West Valley City

A man posing as a stranded motorist in West Valley City early Monday tried to abduct a woman at gunpoint who stopped to help him, police said.

According to West Valley City police, the woman was driving in the area of 7600 West and 5400 South at about 1:30 a.m. when she saw a light-colored sedan pulled over on the side of the road with its trunk open and emergency lights flashing.

When she stopped and got out of her vehicle, a man brandished a handgun, forced her into the backseat of the stopped sedan and tried to assault her, police said.

The woman managed to escape, got back in her car and drove away.

The woman’s dashboard camera captured the rear of the suspect’s vehicle. No license plate was visible, but there appeared to be blue tape on both the left and right sides of the bumper. According to police, the man’s car may be a Chevrolet Aveo.

Police also released a blurry photo of the man, who had a beard and was wearing a beanie and a bright yellow shirt.

Anyone with information about the attempted abduction may call West Valley City police at 801-965-5200 or email majorcrimes@wvc-ut.gov. Tips can be made anonymously.