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SALT LAKE CITY — A man was arrested in August for domestic violence, kidnapping and choking a police officer. He was sentenced to time in Utah State Corrections on Monday. A press release from the office of Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said a judge sentenced 43-year-old Ruben Serna to one-to-15 years in prison for felony kidnapping. He was sentenced for additional charges but will serve those concurrently. Officers were responding to Serna's residence in August for a domestic violence call, in which the victim-survivor told police he had drank "approximately 30 beers and began acting violent and erratic." "(Serna) would not allow the victim-survivor to leave a corner of their kitchen and grabbed her by the neck," the press release said. "When the police arrived at his residence, the defendant would not leave his home and tried to shut the door on them." A probable cause statement for the August arrest said officers were able to push the door open and enter the residence, but things quickly got physical with Serna. "Serna refused to place his hands behind his back, and (the officer) felt Serna reach for her firearm and place his hand on her holster," the statement said. Serna then put his hand around the officer's throat and choked her, the statement said. Luckily, she was able to get her taser out to attempt to subdue Serna. The officer had to shock Serna multiple times, but he eventually submitted and was taken into custody. Another officer received "a laceration and swelling to his upper lip" while trying to arrest Serna, according to the statement. In February, Serna pled guilty to felony kidnapping, felony attempted disarming of a police officer, felony assault of a police officer and a felony violation of a protective order. "We applaud this victim-survivor for recognizing the danger of her situation and calling the police to help intervene before the situation escalated. We appreciate the danger these police officers were willing to put themselves in to protect not only the victim-survivor but her children as well," said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill in the press release.
Domestic violence resources
If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available.
- The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
- Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website.
- YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
- Utah's statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
