SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Charges have been filed against a 23-year-old man from Salt Lake City accused of carjacking a vehicle with an infant in the back seat.
The Carjacking Incident
Carlos Daniel Castellanos is facing several charges, including aggravated robbery, property damage, obstruction of justice, taking a bank card, drug possession, and unlawful use of a bank card. The charges were filed in 3rd District Court on Monday, following an incident on August 7.
According to police reports, a woman was standing outside her car in the underground parking garage at The Gateway (62 S. Rio Grande) when she noticed Castellanos jump into the driver’s seat of her running vehicle, intending to steal it. What he didn’t expect was the presence of an 8-month-old baby in the back seat.
The Attempted Abduction and Fleeing
The woman immediately ran after her car and child, but she fell to the ground while trying to open the door. Charging documents state that the vehicle stopped at the top of the parking garage, allowing the woman to pull her child out of the back seat. Castellanos then drove off in the stolen car.
The woman suffered injuries during the incident, including damage to her lip, left elbow, knees, and rib cage. Authorities also report that Castellanos caused over $6,000 in damages to the vehicle after hitting a wall while fleeing the scene.
Stolen Credit Card Used
The following day, the woman reported that one of her stolen credit cards had been used around 2:20 a.m. at a convenience store near 300 East and 400 South. Surveillance footage from the store confirmed that the same man who had stolen the car also used the card.
Arrest and Confession
On August 8, police located Castellanos at Taufer Park (680 S. 300 East) and took him into custody. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest as per KSL.
During questioning, Castellanos reportedly told detectives that he “just decided to pull away” after getting into the car. He also said that when he saw the baby in the back seat, he slammed on the brakes and heard the woman pleading for him to let her retrieve her child. Castellanos claimed he then allowed her to take the child before speeding off with the vehicle.
Criminal History and Prosecutors’ Statement
Prosecutors highlighted Castellanos’ lengthy criminal history, noting that despite numerous opportunities to turn his life around, he continues to commit crimes against both property and persons. The charges emphasize his disregard for both the law and the court’s previous orders.
Criminal Behavior and Consequences
This case illustrates the dangerous and unpredictable nature of carjacking incidents, especially when infants or vulnerable individuals are involved. Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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