A Santa Barbara County woman who was allegedly kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend was found safe Monday night in Nevada.
Law enforcement officials in California are still searching for the man who they say kidnapped his former girlfriend and held her against her will for several days. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department said 52-year-old Joseph Hetzel kidnapped his ex-girlfriend on Friday.
The FBI confirmed early Monday that the Lompoc woman was found in Nevada. Virginia Paris, 55, called a family member twice Monday night, saying that she was in Henderson, Nevada. The family member called authorities, who found at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino.
Authorities said it appears Hetzel dropped Paris off at the hotel-casino.
Henderson Officer Rod Pena told the Associated Press that security personnel at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino reported that Paris approached guards late Monday and told them she had been abducted. Paris has been taken to the hospital, but it's unclear if she is injured.
Sheriff's officials say Paris had a restraining order against Hetzel. They believe he kidnapped her in Solvang and then drove to Arizona.
Investigators said Paris had begged a customer for help at a coffee shop in Goodyear, Arizona, on Sunday, but Hetzel pulled her away and shoved her into a car.
Local
Authorities said the two were seen Monday checking out of a hotel in Valle, Arizona, and may be headed to Las Vegas.
