Cops: Toddler secured to Salt Lake City tree while men smoke pot

Salt Lake City police arrested two men for allegedly pulling a toddler across the street by a backpack leash and tying him to a tree so the two could smoke pot.

Witnesses saw the 4-year-old boy, his father and his father's friend crossing the street near 500 North 300 West on Sunday afternoon, said Salt Lake City police Detective Greg Wilking. Somehow, the boy tripped and fell and was pulled the rest of the way across the street, Wilking said.

The boy was then secured to a tree by the backpack leash while the two men smoked marijuana nearby, according to the police.

Officers arrived and arrested the pair under suspicion of child abuse and child endangerment, Wilking said. The father was also arrested under suspicion of possession of marijuana, the detective added.

The boy had apparently suffered minor scratches and abrasions and was returned to his mother, Wilking said.

mmcfall@sltrib.com

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