Man Arrested for Alleged Months-Long Stalking, Kidnapping of Elderly Woman in Salt Lake City

Chadwell Clement Smith, 34, faces charges including kidnapping, burglary, and weapons possession after entering the woman's home uninvited.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 34-year-old man was arrested in Salt Lake City after allegedly stalking an elderly woman for months and then entering her apartment uninvited, holding her against her will, and assaulting her. Chadwell Clement Smith was booked into jail on charges including kidnapping, burglary, possession of a weapon by a restricted person, and marijuana possession.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about stalking, home invasions, and crimes targeting vulnerable elderly residents in Salt Lake City. It also raises questions about mental health, bail reform, and how to better protect seniors from predatory behavior.

The details

According to police, Smith entered the 70-year-old woman's apartment around 2 a.m. while she was letting her dog out, holding an ax and a knife. He then hugged the woman and asked her to sit down and talk, allegedly telling her he had been watching her for the past six months. Smith later used the woman's shower without permission, and when police arrived, he said his intention was to take the woman on a date and eventually have sex with her.

  • The incident occurred early in the morning on February 23, 2026.
  • Police were called to the woman's apartment for a welfare check that afternoon.

The players

Chadwell Clement Smith

A 34-year-old man who was arrested and booked into jail for the alleged kidnapping and assault of an elderly woman.

The Elderly Woman

A 70-year-old resident of Salt Lake City whose apartment was allegedly invaded by Smith.

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What they’re saying

“He told me that his intention was to take her out on a date and to get an Uber up near the University of Utah underneath a tree and was intending on kissing her there and 'feeling out' the situation and informed me that he would want to have sex with the victim prior to a supposed marriage.”

— Arresting Officer (KSL)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Chadwell Clement Smith to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the need for greater protections and support for elderly residents, as well as the importance of addressing stalking and mental health issues that can lead to such predatory behavior targeting vulnerable members of the community.