Trial date set March 3 in woman's kidnapping

PROVO — A man charged with aggravated kidnapping after police say he drove a woman around Provo at gunpoint angered over a drug deal has asked for a new trial date.

Sifa Pulu, 25, was in 4th District Court Thursday where his attorney Richard Gale asked for a one-day jury trial.

The last time in court, Gale had intimated there was a plea deal being discussed and on Thursday assured the judge those talks were still continuing.

However, in order to keep the case going, a date was set for March 3, and Gale assured Judge Gary Stott that in the meantime, they would be working toward a resolution.

Pulu was arrested in August after a woman — who leaped from a moving car in downtown Provo and was taken by witnesses to a nearby police officer — alleged she had been kidnapped.

She told police she had been taken from her house at gunpoint by two men who were angry about the poor quality of the drugs she had sold them, according to a police affidavit filed in 4th District Court.

She told police they had pointed a gun at her head and threatened to kill her if she didn't get their money back.

After several hours, she escaped by jumping out of the car, traveling around 40 mph.

In a September hearing, former Congressman Chris Cannon vouched for Pulu's nonviolent, albeit currently troubled, demeanor and assured the judge that Pulu would show up for future court hearings if given a lower bail amount.

The judge agreed and Pulu has faithfully appeared at every subsequent hearing.

Police and prosecutors are still waiting for Pulu's co-defendant, Sione Afu, to appear in court to face his charges. A $100,000 cash-only warrant is still out for his arrest.

The woman who said she was kidnapped has been charged with a felony possession or use of a controlled substance.

— Sara Israelsen-Hartley