×
×
homepage logo

Suspect who allegedly threatened to shoot people near UVU booked, then released

By Jacob Nielson - Daily Herald | Sep 4, 2026

Courtesy Utah Valley University

A suspect who UVU police say threated to shoot a group of people is pictured. (Courtesy Utah Valley University)

A female suspect who allegedly threatened to shoot a small group of people and trespassed into an apartment near Utah Valley University was booked in the Utah County Jail Wednesday night and then ordered by a judge to be released Thursday.

Aleena Bonesteel, 18, of South Jordan, faces seven charges, including four counts of threat of violence, Class B misdemeanors; criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor; interference with a peace officer, a Class B misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, an infraction.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Bonesteel approached four males walking home from UVU Wednesday and began yelling and acting erratically. Police said the four people stated Bonesteel made a comment about shooting all of them, then reached into her backpack, prompting them to flee because they feared for their safety.

Shortly after her interaction with the four men, court documents said a female alleged victim told authorities Bonesteel began yelling at her in a flight of stairs, and she began walking with Bonesteel.

Police said Bonesteel attempted to convince the female to take her to her apartment to “hang out. Bonesteel allegedly followed the female into the building, which had restricted access.

“Shortly after following the female victim into the building, Aleena cornered her, making the victim extremely uncomfortable and alarmed. Aleena then took a photo of the victim’s feet (in shoes) before running out of the building.”

Bonesteel was located on UVU’s campus by campus police, and resisted arrest as officers placed handcuffs on her, the affidavit said.

She admitted to being “violent” while talking with the group of males, which she attributed to the rap music she listens to and creates, the affidavit said. She also admitted to taking the picture of the female victim’s feet, according to police.

Police said Bonesteel’s state of mind appeared to indicate that she was “experiencing some sort of mental episode.” Bonesteel said she was high, and that she was off her bipolar medications and had not slept or eaten for multiple days, authorities said.

She was booked into the Utah County Jail Wednesday night and released Thursday morning, following an order from a 4th District Court judge.

She was released under the conditions that she appear for court proceedings, not commit any criminal offenses, and comply with other stipulations.

Starting at $4.32/week.

Subscribe Today