Kidnapping suspect, roommate were beaten

A jail booking photo of a South Salt Lake man charged this week with child kidnapping shows he has two black eyes and numerous cuts and bruises to his face.

Now, investigators have submitted an assault case to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office to determine if any charges against the kidnapped children's father should be filed.

Early on the morning of July 4, David James Bell allegedly grabbed his neighbor's 2-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son while they were sleeping in their home and took them into his house, according to court documents.

The children's mother could hear them screaming and burst into Bell's house to get them.

While in the process of retrieving his children, the father allegedly attacked Bell, delivering a severe beating, according to police. Bell's roommate, who police say had no part in the kidnapping, tried to step between the men. He was also beaten, suffering more injuries than the man accused of taking the siblings, said South Salt Lake police detective Gary Keller.

"He got the worst of it," Keller said.

Bell was charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of child kidnapping. During his initial appearance in court Thursday, Bell was ordered to have no contact with the family, witnesses and the victims' lawyer.

Prosecutors said they had not yet reviewed the assault case to consider charges.

Investigators have not said what they believe Bell's intentions were with the children, who were found unharmed.

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com