Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a woman they believe was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend on Friday in Solvang, California.
According to KNXV, authorities believe Virginia Paris, 55, was kidnapped by Joseph Hetzel, 52, an ex-boyfriend she sought a restraining order against. The pair were last seen at a Goodyear, Arizona, Starbucks on Sunday morning.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said Paris asked a customer for help, leading Hetzel to grab her and drag her out the restaurant, throw her into a car, and drive off. The woman reportedly tossed the car registration out the vehicle, which was recovered by the police, giving them information about her identity.
“Calls to both Paris’ and Hetzel’s phones have been unsuccessful, and they are believed to be off or non-functioning,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Kelly Hoover told The Tribune. Hoover also mentioned that the restraining order was granted but not yet served.
Hetzel is driving Paris’ 2015 Chrysler 200 with California license plates 7NGE514. KNXV reports the car was last seen traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 freeway east toward the Phoenix area.
MISSING PERSO6N • Virginia … https://t.co/RRU2XrNjhW #Missing #MissinginAmerica #MissingUSA #MissingPerson #California #CaliforniaMissing
— CA Missing Report (@camissingreport) September 3, 2017
Local station KPHO noted that Hetzel was imprisoned for possession of items used to make explosive devices, using explosive devices with the intent to terrorize, criminal threats, and felony vandalism. Authorities cautioned against approaching the suspect as they believe he’s armed and dangerous.
Paris is described as a white female, approximately 5 foot 6 inches tall and 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt.
Hetzel is described as a white male, approximately 6 foot 2 and 195 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a light blue shirt.
Anyone with information about Paris or Hetzel’s whereabouts is urged to call 911. Those who wish to leave an anonymous tip are instructed to call 805-681-4171 or go to Sbsheriff.org/anonymoustips.html.
[Featured Image: KNXV]