Holladay family followed into apartment building by man with knife, police say

HOLLADAY, Utah (ABC4) — A family was reportedly followed into their apartment complex by a man holding an open blade Sunday.

On Oct. 26, a mom and 8-year-old son, were rollerblading in the parking lot of their apartment complex near 4900 South and Highland Drive when, police say, a man began walking close to them even as they moved around the lot.

Eventually, the boy sat down to take off his rollerblades, at which point the man later identified as Jerod Billings, 48, allegedly crouched down near him and pulled out a folding blade.

The mother then sent her son inside and called family members to come outside with them to ensure the two made it in safely. Court documents claim Billings followed them into their apartment building. The family, now joined by the boy’s grandparents, quickly rushed to their apartment on the third floor.

Police say the grandfather exited the apartment as the rest of his family was fleeing inside. At this point, Billings allegedly yelled at the grandfather to “get on the floor” while brandishing the knife.

The family, including the grandfather, were able to flee inside the apartment and called authorities, according to court documents.

Billings was located a short time later in a shopping complex nearby. Police say he confirmed that he had been in the apartment complex with a knife in his hand. However, he allegedly denied any wrongdoing, saying he was “just leaving.”

Records indicated Billings has an extensive criminal history, pleading guilty to multiple past charges including assault, DUI, and unlawful detention.

He was arrested and booked in the Salt Lake County Jail on four counts of threatening violence, aggravated assault, and aggravated burglary. He was booked with a request to be held without bail.