Payson Man Faces Kidnapping Charges Amid Troubling Criminal History

Payson Man Faces Kidnapping Charges Amid Troubling Criminal History

Payson, Utah — Joshua Solis, 43, is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly trapping multiple people, including a child, in his home and threatening to shoot them if they tried to leave. Authorities charged Solis with child kidnapping, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm as a restricted person. All charges carry habitual violent offender enhancements, making them first-degree felonies. He also faces misdemeanor charges for methamphetamine possession and threats of violence.

Solis has a prior criminal history, having previously been charged twice with first-degree felony kidnapping. In both previous cases, he was convicted of aggravated assault and served prison sentences. At the time of this most recent incident, he was on parole.

According to police reports, Solis allegedly trapped three people who had come to assist him with a mental health concern. He reportedly chased them when they tried to leave, brandished a firearm, and barricaded the door with a ladder. Authorities learned of the situation when an inmate reported threats Solis had made against her family. Police later executed a search warrant at his home, discovering methamphetamine and a disassembled firearm. Solis admitted to scattering the firearm parts across the county.

He was arrested on September 3. These charges highlight the dangers posed by repeat violent offenders and underscore the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement action in protecting the public.