Layton police: Five arrested in nail salon riot

For unsuspecting Layton police officers it was not just a hairy situation, but one that could curl — not to mention clip, paint and buff — your fingernails and toenails.

Police Lt. Shawn Horton said it began just before 2 p.m. Thursday when two state Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing investigators arrived at the Passion Day Spa & Nails in the Layton Hills Mall. The investigators were looking into an alleged business licensing violation, and that is when the claws came out.

First it was an argument, then it escalated when several salon employees allegedly attacked the two investigators, police said.

Layton officers were called and were attempting to defuse the situation when a relative of one of the employees arrived and "instigated a riotous situation."

Once again, employees allegedly attacked, this time targeting police officers. When the two investigators tried to aid the officers, they were assaulted again, Horton said Friday.

"An officer used a Taser to help gain control of the situation. One of the officers and two of the suspects received minor injuries," Horton said.

Five employees — all members of the same family — were arrested and booked into the Davis County Jail on suspicion of charges ranging from rioting, assault and obstruction of justice to failure to obey a lawful order and disorderly conduct.

Horton said the salon was shut down after the fracas. Calls to the business' listed number Friday went unanswered.

Jennifer Bolton, spokeswoman for the Department of Commerce, called the initial visit by investigators a "routine inspection."

She said the investigation into the licensees and the business is ongoing.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims