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SLC man accused of assaulting girlfriend, holding her hostage for weeks

Posted at 11:45 AM, Nov 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-30 13:51:58-05

SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City man is behind bars after he was accused of assaulting his girlfriend and holding her hostage at an apartment for two weeks.

Mug shot: William Brunell

Mug shot: William Brunell

William Mathew Brunell, 35, faces felony charges of domestic violence – aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault.

According to a probable cause statement, the alleged victim told police that Brunell would only allow her to leave the apartment to go to work or to see her therapist. She also told police Brunell kept her keys, cellphone and wallet in his possession at all times.

“When going out[,] William will pin one arm around behind the victim’s back then grab her by the neck or hair and yank her the way he wants her to go. The victim had bruising on both arms, tenderness to the back and top of her head, bruises on her upper left thy (sic) and a yellowish tinted bruise on her right knee. The victim said William would tell her he is really good at this and knows how not to leave marks,” the probable cause statement said.

The alleged victim also told police that Brunell choked her twice, telling her he would make it longer next time.

“The victim said one time she tried to jump out of the two story window but William yanked her back by her hair,” the probable cause statement said. The officer who wrote the probable cause statement reported finding a wad of long blonde hair across the back of the couch.

Police responded to the apartment on November 26 after receiving a report from a neighbor who told them he heard someone running around, yelling for help.

“The witness ran out to see what has happening and noticed William had his hand over the victim’s mouth and one arm pinned around behind her back. The witness confronted William. William said the victim is off her meds and he is just getting her back inside the apartment. The witness felt this was not right and confronted William, saying he better let go of the victim. William let go of the victim and she immediately grabbed onto the witnesses (sic) hand forcefully and would not let go. The witness took the victim to his apartment and noticed William fled in the victim’s vehicle,” the probable cause statement said.

Brunell has been booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.