WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A woman is facing serious felony charges after she allegedly attempted to kill a child, attempted to disarm a police officer, and unlawfully entered a neighbor’s home in a violent sequence of events on Friday.
Petrice Shirley Marie Gustafson, 35, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child abuse, disarming a police officer, and burglary of a dwelling, all second-degree felonies. Authorities responded to a call about an aggravated child abuse incident after witnesses reported a young child walking through the neighborhood covered in blood and seeking help. The child appeared to be struggling to move and talk, with visible lacerations and bruises.
Gustafson, who was also in the area, allegedly approached the group of witnesses and stated, “Somebody call 911, I just tried to kill [the child].” Afterward, she reportedly returned to her home, undressed, and then reappeared outside. Gustafson is accused of unlawfully entering a neighbor’s home, exposing herself to a juvenile in the process.
When police arrived and took Gustafson into custody, she allegedly tried to disarm one of the officers. According to the affidavit, she reached for the officer’s holstered firearm, touching it twice while saying, “You’re going to have to kill me and give me your gun, you’re going to have to kill me.”
A search of her home revealed large amounts of blood throughout several areas of the residence, further supporting the severity of the situation.
Gustafson has been booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. While the child’s condition has not been officially released, authorities are working to ensure their safety and well-being. The investigation remains ongoing, with further details expected as the case progresses.