Samuel Mesquita, 25, was detained as a suspect for allegedly stabbing a man on a crowded UTA TRAX Blue Line train in downtown Salt Lake City, according to a report published September 5. The incident occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 2, around 8:30 a.m.
According to an affidavit, Mesquita claimed he was agitated by issues with his girlfriend and was talking to himself while traveling on the northbound train. He stated he began playing music on his phone while speaking to himself in the crowded car. Mesquita told investigators that he sat directly in front of a man he did not know, who he claimed gave him a threatening look and then struck a skateboard forcefully against the train floor, creating a loud noise. Mesquita stated he believed the individual was about to attack him with the skateboard, prompting him to pull out a knife.
The victim, who underwent surgery for their injuries, told officials they were frustrated by Mesquita's loud music and tone of voice. The victim admitted to striking their skateboard against the floor due to that frustration. When police arrived near the intersection of 600 South and Main Street, they separated the two men and discovered one man had multiple knife wounds. The victim sustained serious injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The assault caused significant delays lasting several hours on the red, blue, and green lines. Mesquita is currently held in the Salt Lake County Jail and faces charges of aggravated assault, interference with critical infrastructure, and use of a dangerous weapon.
