Husband held in alleged kidnapping, assault

Costa Mesa police have arrested a man accused of kidnapping and assaulting his estranged wife, whom he suspected was in a relationship with another man.

Martin Neas, 36, allegedly stalked his wife — who had a restraining order against him — and followed her to a drug store in Santa Ana just before midnight Thursday.

As the woman tried to leave in her Mini Cooper, Neas pushed her into the car’s passenger seat and assaulted her, leaving her with bruises and swelling on her face and leg, police said.

Neas then drove them to Charle Street in Costa Mesa, the area where he believed her male friend lived, according to a news release from Costa Mesa police.

While there, the victim managed to escape from the Mini Cooper and ran, police said. She later called 911.

Neas fled in the Mini Cooper, which was equipped with a tracking system, police said.

Just after midnight, officers found the car in Long Beach.

Long Beach police contacted Costa Mesa police, who arrested Neas.

Officials booked Neas at Orange County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, felony spousal battery, grand theft auto, burglary and violation of a restraining order, police said.

Neas’ estranged wife is a resident of Costa Mesa, and his last-known address is in San Diego, police said.

Officials are conducting a follow-up investigation and have requested that anyone with information call Costa Mesa Det. Sgt. Ed Everett at (714) 754-5395.