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KEARNS — A man, who police say, was attempting to kill his mother was arrested Friday morning.
Jon Winter, 38, arrived at his mother's home early Friday morning in Kearns, waiting for her in the garage. Winter assaulted his 60-year-old mother, Edna Hakala in the garage of the home before dragging her back into the home where he intended to hold her hostage for a couple hours, according to Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder.
Hakala received severe injuries and sustained a cut to the throat, Winder said, before police were called to the scene.
Winter's sister called police after she awoke to him assaulting their mother hours after the initial assault. Officers responded quickly to the home after being in the area for an overnight graffiti call.
Winter came out of the home covered in blood and wielding an ax. Winter refused to put the ax down, so officers were forced to use a stun gun on him three times before subduing Winter.
I believe this is a violent encounter that was probably planned out. We will have more details on that as the case is further investigated, but it's a serious situation.
–Sheriff Jim Winder
"I believe this is a violent encounter that was probably planned out," Winder said. "We will have more details on that as the case is further investigated, but it's a serious situation."
Winder said Winter was likely planning to do more harm. Duct tape and other items were found on the scene, but whether they were planned as part of the assault on his mother is unknown.
Winder added that Winter likely had a mental illness, which could have been what spurned the assault.
"The observations from officers indicate this individual has been suffering from a mental illness for some time," Winder said. "That may be what has precipitated the confrontation here. The actions indicate that he's not stable."
Neighbor Steve Bird, who witnessed the event, said Winter was a quiet man and didn't speak much to anyone. Bird said Winter was with his mother a lot and assumed the two were really close.
Hakala was transported to an area hospital in critical condition, but has since been upgraded to serious condition.
Winter has been booked into Salt Lake County Jail on charges of attempted homicide/murder, aggravated kidnapping and assault on a police officer, Winder said.
