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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police arrested a man accused of inappropriately touching a woman walking her dog near Pioneer Park.
Gatluak Gatluak, 44, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Tuesday for investigation of sexual battery, kidnapping, interfering with an arresting officer, assault by a prisoner and failing to disclose his identity.
On Tuesday about 3:30 p.m., a woman was walking her dog near 350 S. 300 West when Gatluak — whom the woman had never met — approached her, according to a police booking affidavit.
Gatluak wrapped both his arms around the woman, then placed a hand on the woman's neck, the affidavit states. He kissed the woman's cheek several times while inappropriately touching her over her clothing and making explicit comments, according to the affidavit.
The woman attempted to push Gatluak away several times and told him to "let go," the affidavit states.
"The victim stated she was pulling away and pushing him and trying to get away. (Gatluak) would not physically let the victim go. After around four minutes, the victim's dog leash got wrapped around (Gatluak's) legs and (he) had to let go of the victim due to his legs getting tangled in the leash. The victim was able to get away," according to the affidavit.
When police found Gatluak, he resisted arrest, and at one point kicked one of the officers, the affidavit states. When police asked for his name, Gatluak refused to answer and "would only curse and say profanities toward officers."
Because of the length of time Gatluak allegedly detained the woman, police arrested him for investigation of kidnapping.
Gatluak has a lengthy criminal history, according to court records. Most recently, he was convicted in October of attempted drug distribution, a class A misdemeanor. Gatluak was originally charged in that case with felony drug distribution and aggravated assault for allegedly stabbing a man near the downtown homeless shelter and breaking his wrist, according to charging documents.
After taking a plea deal, he was sentenced to two years probation, which he violated in November, according to court documents. He was arrested and placed in the Salt Lake County Jail. He was ordered released from jail on Feb. 11.
