Man charged in TRAX stabbing is habitual offender, prosecutors say

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SALT LAKE CITY — A man accused of randomly attacking a woman purchasing a TRAX ticket, stabbing her multiple times, is a violent habitual offender, according to prosecutors.

Michael Nimmo, 50, whose address is listed in court documents as the men’s homeless shelter in South Salt Lake, was charged Wednesday in 3rd District Court with attempted aggravated murder, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, and two counts of assault by a prisoner. All the charges are first-degree felonies because Nimmo qualifies as a habitual violent offender, according to charging documents.

He was sentenced to prison in Oregon for convictions of rape and attempted rape, then sentenced to prison in Oregon for a second time on a burglary conviction, and was also convicted in Oregon of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, charging documents state.

On Nov. 21, at the TRAX station at 900 South and 200 West, a woman was buying a ticket for a train when Nimmo approached her from behind, “wrapped his arms around the female and pulled her into his chest, and then began repeatedly stabbing the female,” the charges state.

Police found the woman unresponsive on the ground with her clothes “saturated in blood,” according to the charges. At the hospital, it was determined that the woman was stabbed 10 to 16 times in her chest and side, the charges state. Her condition was listed as critical and unstable.

On Wednesday, officials identified her as Priscilla Elahian, 63, whose last known address was at a shelter at 131 E. 700 South. According to a statement from Utah Transit Authority, Elahian “is now listed in stable condition and improving.”

Based on surveillance video, police were able to track down Nimmo and arrest him.

While being transported to the police station for questioning, Nimmo was able to slip out of his handcuffs, the charges state.

“He was brought to an interview room where he became increasingly agitated. The male jumped up out of his seat and tried to tackle the officer in the room with him. Assisting officers were able to gain control and start processing the male. He became agitated again, when officers attempted to seize his clothing. He tried to kick and bite two officers multiple times,” according to the charges.

Prosecutors have requested Nimmo be held without bail.

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