Woman allegedly attacked outside of UVU student housing, suspect arrested

OREM, Utah (ABC4) — One man was arrested Thursday after allegedly attacking and robbing a woman outside her Utah Valley University apartment.

Michael Perry Merrill, 19, was arrested and booked by the Santaquin Police Department on charges of aggravated robbery, threat of violence, and aggravated assault producing a loss of consciousness.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., police were dispatched to Mountain View Hospital in Payson where they found the alleged victim with bruising around her neck and a bump on the back of her head.

Documents show she told police Merrill, who she’d known for about one month, was waiting for her outside her apartment. The location listed by police is a UVU student housing complex.

After being dropped off, the alleged victim told police that Merrill approached her. While coming toward her, he was reportedly yelling and saying, “Your nephews are going to be so sad.”

Police say Merrill then put both hands around the woman’s neck and strangled her until she lost consciousness.

The victim recalled waking up with her head on the curb and being smacked in the face by Merrill. Officers say he stole the victim’s shoes, phone, and AirPods before walking away.

Charging documents allege that Merrill also threatened to return to her residence and “shoot up” the location. The victim says she feared for her life and what he was going to do to her family.

Officers later found Merrill in a vehicle with a rifle and loaded magazines. The victim’s stolen items were located at a nearby park soon after.

Merrill is being held without bail in the Utah County Jail.