Man Charged for Kidnapping Security Guard, Threatening with Glass Shard

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A Salt Lake man is now facing an aggravated kidnapping charge after allegedly detaining a security guard for several hours in early January.

According to court records, 37-year-old Joshua Emmett Barnes, who had already been booked into Salt Lake County Metro Jail on unrelated charges on Jan. 25, is accused of a disturbing incident that took place on the night of Jan. 7, 2025. SLCPD reports that Barnes requested a ride from a private security guard around 10 p.m. When the guard refused, Barnes forcibly entered the vehicle. In a dramatic escalation, he brandished a shard of glass and threatened the guard.

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Court documents reveal that Barnes held the makeshift weapon to the guard’s neck, demanding a detour to a nearby gas station. The guard, refusing to be intimidated, complied only after Barnes lowered the glass. Once at the gas station, the guard attempted to alert another security officer, but confusion ensued, and the situation continued to unravel. Barnes persisted, insisting on being taken all the way to the guard’s home.

The ordeal reportedly lasted around two hours before the guard managed to free himself by stating he needed to leave the vehicle, prompting Barnes to exit on his own and walk away from the scene.

As of Feb. 4, 2024, Barnes remains in custody while authorities continue to investigate the incident.

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