An man allegedly armed man who kidnapped his ex-girlfriend was taken in to custody in El Monte after leading the police on a pursuit, authorities said Sunday.
The victim told the El Monte Police Department that at just before 6 p.m. Saturday, the armed and distraught man arrived at her workplace in the 10300 block of Lower Azusa Road, near Arden Drive. After engaging in an argument, he forced her into her vehicle and drove away, blocking her from exiting.
She was able to call a friend, who alerted law enforcement and shared her location through the Find My iPhone app, according to EMPD.
The car was located on the Santa Ana (5) Freeway near the Bandini Avenue exit, in the Commerce area, by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopter.
The California Highway Patrol was notified and attempted a traffic stop, but upon his refusal to yield, a pursuit ensued. About 20 miles later, spike strips were deployed, which punctured the tires, slowing the car to a crawl, according to the EMPD.
The victim was safely rescued from the car near the San Diego (405) Freeway and Westminster Avenue in Westminster, and the suspect was taken into custody, police said.
Charges of kidnapping and felony evading were planned to be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.
Anyone with information regarding this incident was asked to call the El Monte Police Department at 626-580-2100.