Ogden, UT – A 52-year-old man with a violent history was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a horrific assault that occurred in Draper, Utah, in October.
Robert Reins faces charges including attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated assault, according to court documents. He is currently being held without bail.
The attack occurred on the night of October 1, just past midnight, when a man was walking from the Kimball’s Lane TRAX station to his job at a fast food restaurant located on 12300 South. As the victim walked past an empty field, he was startled by a deer. The unexpected encounter caused him to speak a few words in Spanish. Moments later, a stranger approached, asking the victim to repeat what he had said.
The victim, attempting to avoid any confrontation, told the man he did not speak English. But the situation quickly escalated. The attacker, later identified as Reins, allegedly approached the victim from behind, placing him in a chokehold and stabbing him on the right side of his body. After a brief struggle, the victim was forced to the ground, where he was sexually assaulted. He later told police that he lost consciousness after being struck in the back of the head. When he regained awareness, he realized he had been set on fire.
The victim was transported to a hospital by first responders from the Draper Fire Department, where he received treatment for the severe injuries he sustained.
As investigators from the Draper Police Department pieced together evidence, they discovered multiple cigarette butts, an empty energy drink can, and a beer can at the crime scene.
The victim provided a description of the assailant, detailing a man with a long beard, short hair on the sides, a goatee, and a strong odor of tobacco. A composite sketch was created and distributed to local police in mid-October.
The breakthrough in the case came on New Year’s Eve when police encountered a homeless man outside a 7-Eleven convenience store located near the crime scene.
The man, later identified as Reins, was acting erratically and making threats of violence.
Upon further investigation, police found that Reins matched the description given by the victim, as well as the sketch that had been circulated in October.
On Tuesday, the victim was brought in for a photo lineup, where he identified Reins, stating that he was “90% sure” that Reins was the one who attacked him. Reins was detained shortly afterward, and during his arrest, authorities collected a cigarette he was smoking and a water bottle, both of which were sent for DNA testing to compare with evidence found at the scene of the crime.
While being questioned, Reins exhibited erratic behavior, with some responses disconnected from reality and others marked by sudden outbursts of anger. Police noted that he might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental health condition.
Despite his troubling behavior, no formal charges have been filed, and Reins remains in custody at the Salt Lake County Jail as the investigation continues.
The victim, who endured an incredibly violent attack, is still recovering from the extensive injuries he sustained during the assault. Investigators are continuing to build their case against Reins as they await results from DNA testing and other forensic evidence.