Scott Hollis : Man Charged for Trying to Steal Officer’s Gun at Salt Lake Airport

SALT LAKE CITY — A male individual is currently in police custody following a violent incident at the Salt Lake International Airport on Sunday. The suspect, identified as Scott Hollis, has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly assaulting a musician and attempting to disarm a police officer.

According to a statement released by the District Attorney’s Office, the altercation began when Hollis approached a saxophone player and unexpectedly punched him in the face after apologising. Subsequently, the musician tried to flee from Hollis, who then proceeded to put a 17-year-old bystander in a chokehold while holding a sharp object against the minor’s neck. The young victim managed to wrestle the object away, sustaining a minor cut in the process.

Witnesses intervened by pulling Hollis away from the teenager and advising him to escape. Airport police were alerted to the situation when a call for help was made, reporting that Hollis had attempted to strangle someone.

Law enforcement officers swiftly intervened to apprehend Hollis, who allegedly made suicidal remarks and expressed a need for assistance. During the arrest, Hollis made multiple attempts to take a police officer’s weapon, leading to a physical struggle. Despite his efforts, Hollis was eventually subdued and taken into custody.

The District Attorney’s Office praised the swift actions of the witnesses who intervened in the violent incident and commended the Salt Lake City Police Department for their prompt response in preventing further harm to the community.

Hollis now faces a string of charges, including one count of first-degree felony for attempting to disarm a police officer by seizing the service weapon, one count of third-degree felony for disarming a police officer by taking the officer’s taser, one count of third-degree felony for aggravated assault, one count of class B misdemeanor for assault, and one count of class B misdemeanor for interfering with a peace officer.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, which provides support 24/7/365 by trained crisis counsellors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Calls made to legacy crisis hotlines, including the former National Suicide Prevention hotline (1-800-273-8255), will also connect you to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.