WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A woman employed as a community health worker in Salt Lake City is facing multiple felony charges after she allegedly attempted to drown her 5-year-old son in a bathtub during a violent outburst at her home over the weekend.
Petrice Gustafson, 35, who is also listed in official records as Petrice Garcia, was taken into custody by West Valley City Police on Saturday, May 3. According to charging documents obtained by KUTV, Gustafson is accused of aggravated child abuse, burglary, and attempting to disarm a police officer.
Authorities responded to the scene near 3100 South 6400 West after neighbors found a young boy, wet and bleeding, frantically seeking help door-to-door. The child told residents that his mother had struck him in the head with a statue and tried to drown him in the bathtub.
Witnesses reported that Gustafson emerged from her home shortly afterward and allegedly confessed to the act. “Call 911, I just tried to kill my kid,” she reportedly told one neighbor before returning indoors and reappearing naked.
Court documents detail further chaos as Gustafson then entered another neighbor’s home without permission and physically assaulted a minor inside. Responding officers arrested her at the scene, during which she allegedly attempted to grab an officer’s firearm, making contact with it twice.
Police confirmed that the child was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and has since been released. Authorities did not disclose his current living arrangements but indicated he is now safe.
Records reveal that Gustafson has a history of legal issues, including previous domestic violence charges, obstruction of justice, and drug-related offenses.
Her employment as a community health worker has sparked concern among residents and advocacy groups, who question how someone with a criminal record was permitted to work in a caregiving role. Gustafson is currently being held in jail and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
“This is a tragic example of the profound betrayal that can occur when a caregiver, someone meant to protect and nurture, becomes the source of trauma,” said Laurieann Thorpe, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Utah. “Child abuse leaves lasting emotional and psychological damage. In many cases, children have to speak up multiple times before they are believed.”
Thorpe emphasized the importance of early intervention, particularly when mental health or substance abuse issues are involved. “The signs are often there. It’s critical for communities and support systems to act before a child’s life is endangered.”
As of Tuesday, many neighbors told KUTV they were unaware of the weekend’s events. Attempts to contact individuals at a second address associated with Gustafson were unsuccessful.
West Valley Police continue to investigate the case.