SALT LAKE CITY — Two men have been charged with child endangerment after reportedly dragging a 4-year-old boy by a backpack leash and tying him to a tree.
On Sunday afternoon, witnesses say 35-year-old Paul Rapp dragged his friend’s son across part of 300 West near 500 North. At one point Rapp reportedly tied the boy to a tree while he smoked marijuana with the child’s dad, Richard Marsh, 29.
“Yeah, a lack of parenting going on,” said Det. Greg Wilking with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Police say Marsh’s son was wearing a backpack leash and somehow ended up on the pavement as he was walking across 300 West. According to witnesses, Rapp dragged the boy on his back across at least one lane of traffic. Rapp then allegedly tied the child to a tree.
Witnesses called 911 and the two men were booked into Salt Lake County Jail.
The child received minor injuries and was released into the custody of his mother.
Rapp was charged with endangerment of a child, child abuse that involves physical injury, possession or used of a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Marsh was charged with endangerment of a child, child abuse that involves physical injury, possession or use of a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Marsh will have his initial appearance in the Third District Court on April 9.
Rapp will appear in court for his initial appearance April 14.
