LOGAN — A 33-year-old Logan man is in jail after he allegedly choked a man, took his wallet and vehicle, and then tried to break into a home, according to police. Viliami Sio Pauni was booked Saturday morning into the Cache County Jail following the string of crimes.
According to an arrest affidavit, Logan City Police officers were called by elderly man, who claimed that he had been mugged by Pauni. They explained how the suspect had approached him in his driveway and asked for directions.
The alleged victim said he offered to give Pauni a ride to where he was needing to go. However, as they turned their back, Pauni reportedly wrapped his arm around their neck and began choking them.
The alleged victim told police, he feared for his life and told Pauni to take his wallet. It contained $200, financial transaction cards and the man’s drivers license. He also told the suspect that the keys were in the vehicle, parked inside the garage, court documents detailed.
Police report, Pauni took the vehicle and drove to a nearby gas station where he stole a six pack of alcohol. Two unopened bottles were in the vehicle when the suspect was apprehended.
Pauni allegedly drove to a home, where he broke two windows and kicked in a locked front door, causing around $2,500 in damages. An empty bottle of the same beverage was found outside the residence, the probable cause statement described.
Pauni was arraigned Monday afternoon in Logan’s 1st District Court. He was charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery, both 1st degree felonies; theft of a motor vehicle and burglary of a dwelling, both second-degree felonies; aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a financial card, and property damage, all third-degree felonies, along with two misdemeanors.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck ordered Pauni to remain in jail and scheduled a bail hearing for Oct. 2.