A federal magistrate judge ordered the detention of an Egyptian national this week after he was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly brutally beating a security guard with a metal bar during a carjacking in Salt Lake City.
Gwen Manot Scholl Agake, also known as John Agake, 22, was deemed an unmanageable risk by the judge during a detention hearing at the federal courthouse.
Violent Assault During Theft
The indictment follows a violent incident that occurred on July 6, 2026, involving an attempted vehicle theft. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah, the victim was performing duties as a security guard at a local business when he noticed a light coming from his parked vehicle at approximately 3:20 a.m.
When the victim approached the vehicle to investigate, he encountered Agake. The victim reportedly instructed Agake to exit the car, but Agake instead brandished a long metal bar and demanded the keys. When the victim refused to comply, Agake allegedly began swinging the metal bar, striking the victim in the head and shoulders while continuing his demands for the keys.
Attack Captured on Video
The assault extended from the parking area into the business premises. Court documents state that the victim managed to flee the vehicle and seek refuge inside the building, but Agake pursued him into the structure.
Once inside, Agake allegedly struck the victim several times in the face and head. During the assault, Agake reportedly yelled, "you should have given me the keys" and "you shouldn't have called the cops." The victim sustained severe injuries to his head, face, and body during the attack. The assault was captured on surveillance video and was witnessed by a co-worker via closed-circuit television after the victim managed to radio for help.
Police Arrest Suspect
Following the assault, Agake reportedly exited the building by breaking a large window with the metal bar, an action that caused an injury to his arm and left a trail of blood. Salt Lake City Police Department officers arrived at the scene and followed the trail of blood, eventually locating Agake hiding at a nearby business on North Temple.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the investigation was conducted by an FBI Task Force Officer working alongside the Salt Lake City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda.
Legal and Immigration Status
Agake is a lawful resident alien from Egypt who had applied for citizenship, though officials noted his application is currently on hold due to the indictment. Federal authorities stated that Agake is subject to removal or deportation following the completion of any required incarceration.
The prosecution of the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative. The program aims to use federal resources to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from perpetrators of violent crime.
Federal Carjacking Laws
Under federal law, carjacking involves the taking of a motor vehicle through force or violence with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm. According to 18 U.S. Code § 2119, if the crime results in serious bodily injury, the defendant can face up to 25 years in prison or a fine. If the incident results in death, the law allows for a sentence of up to life in prison or the death penalty.
Agake's indictment is merely an allegation, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Upcoming Trial Date
A jury trial for Agake is scheduled to take place on October 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The proceedings will be held in courtroom 7.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
