Utah Man Arrested For Sexual Assault On A Child in Grand Junction

Grand Junction Police received a panic alert from a cell phone Thursday, which led to the arrest of a Utah man on sexual assault, kidnapping, and other charges.

Aaron Scott Smith, 47, from Utah, was arrested on those charges, as well as internet luring of a child, enticement of a child and misdemeanor charges of an obscured license plate.

The youth had been chatting on the app Kik with whom he thought was a 13-14-year-old male for a few weeks. The individual later contacted him saying, he was in town and wanted to meet.

When the young man went to the location, he was called over by name to a man in a vehicle. The young man sent a panic alarm through his cell phone as he entered the vehicle and police arrived a short time later.

When authorities arrived, they didn't see anyone in the front seat of the vehicle but saw a man in the back seat. When they approached the vehicle, the man started to climb into the front seat and reached for the steering wheel. The police ordered Smith out of the car, which he did.

Smith is being charged with  Internet Luring of a Child, First Degree Kidnapping, Enticement of a Child, Sexual Assault on a Child, Unlawful Sexual Contact without Consent, Obstructing a Peace Officer, and Vehicle Plates Not Clearly Visible.

Smith has several felony convictions for sexual assault against children.

Kudos to the young man for having the presence of mind to send the panic alert. Parents should take this time to discuss with their children the importance of staying safe while using the internet.

The young man was unharmed.