31-Year-Old Tue Huu Luong Arrested on Child Kidnapping Charge After Traffic Stop

Tue Huu Luong, 31, was arrested after West Valley City police pulled him over on Feb. 6 and discovered a child in the front seat, according to court documents. Luong was taken into custody on one count of child kidnapping, a felony, and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. The stop prompted police to contact the child’s parents, who told officers the child was supposed to be riding the school bus that morning.

The affidavit of probable cause describes a pattern of contact between Luong and young boys. Court filings say Luong had repeatedly contacted boys around the age of 8, with approximately 15 reported incidents. The filing includes the exact language: “Since January 2025 there have been approximately 15 reported incidents of Tue having contacted with boys around the age of 8 years old. The majority of these reports occurred between September 2025 – January 2026. Tue has contacted police on his own and claimed these boys are his ‘godsons’, although there is no familial relation and the parents of these children have told Tue to stay away from them and their children.”

Investigators allege the stop revealed additional concerning behavior. Court documents state that Luong told officers the minor, labeled in filings as Minor Victim 1 or MV1, asked for a ride to school and Luong agreed without parental consent. The expected drive to the school is mapped at roughly four minutes, but the probable cause affidavit records: “Tue was unable to explain why he had a Minor Victim 1 (MV1) in his car for 30-40 minutes, stating he drove MV1 passed the school to a local gas station for a snack, however, Tue admitted this only took a couple of minutes.” KJZZ’s reporting notes the child in the vehicle that morning was under the age of 14.

The court paperwork alleges Luong admitted to driving the victim to school multiple times despite being told to stay away, and that he intentionally drove into the neighborhood where the victim lives hoping to see the child. Police allege Luong purchased gifts for the children involved, including candy and “a new iPhone 16,” and posted messages on social media celebrating their birthdays. A passage attributed to a social post in the documents reads: "...ily my sweet kid moon and back since day one. You will always be my favorite kid in the world..."

The filings also say Luong has been trespassed from several buildings in the area for continued attempts to interact with children. These are allegations drawn from the affidavit of probable cause; Luong is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Reporters and investigators note an internal inconsistency in the court language about dates that appears to be a transcription or typographical error and will need clarification from official records. For parents and guardians, the case is a reminder to verify bus routes and pickup plans with school officials, to report unwanted contact by adults to local law enforcement, and to monitor social media interactions. Expect follow-up reporting as charging documents, booking records, and any court dates are posted and prosecutors determine whether to file additional counts.