LOVELAND, Colo. — A tanning salon employee was critically injured during a violent attack but fought back bravely, possibly preventing greater harm to herself and a customer. Authorities report that the 21-year-old woman was assaulted with a framing hammer in a premeditated attack at Endless Summer Tanning Salon shortly after 6:40 p.m. on Thursday.
According to an arrest affidavit, the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Kyle Mathew Behrens, entered the salon and immediately struck the employee repeatedly with the hammer. The employee told police she had no prior contact with Behrens. The assault escalated throughout the salon, moving from behind the counter into a hallway and at least one treatment room. The affidavit details that the employee sustained severe injuries, including a brain bleed and fractures, before she succumbed to the violence.
As fear set in, the employee managed to retreat to another room with a 42-year-old customer, who had heard the commotion and sought refuge. Behrens, appearing to be intent on causing further harm, attempted to force his way into the barricaded room, wielding the hammer and even using a knife to attack through the door.
In a bid for self-defense, the customer wrested the knife away from Behrens, enabling the employee to stab him in the arm. This crucial act of resistance helped to avert what could have been a more disastrous situation. The two women displayed remarkable courage, cooperating amidst the chaos to defend themselves while also calling 911.
Loveland police officers arrived just three minutes after the emergency call and arrested Behrens as he tried to break in. Authorities noted that surveillance footage captured his repeated attempts to enter the secured room, showcasing his determination. Spokesperson Chris Padgett hailed the women’s survival instincts during a news conference, stating that their resilience likely saved their lives.
Both victims were treated for their injuries and released from the hospital by Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, Behrens was taken to the hospital for his injuries before being booked in Larimer County Jail. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault, and is being held on a cash-only bond set at $500,000.
The incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about safety in local businesses. As investigations continue, Behrens is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on December 18, facing serious legal ramifications for his actions.