Drywall Boss Says He Was Held Captive

A drywall supervisor told San Diego police he was held captive inside his apartment by a group of discontented drywall workers for at least two days until he was able to escape out a back window.

Carlos Iturbe, 48, alleged that he was leaving for work on Aug. 7 when he was stopped outside his apartment and threatened by about eight angry workers, police said.

There has been an ongoing dispute between drywall workers who want union representation and builders who hire the workers. Iturbe is not a union member.

Iturbe claimed he and his family were threatened, and that he was ordered to skip work and stay home, police said. The workers posted sentries outside the apartment and did not allow him to leave, Iturbe told police.

He said he escaped on Aug. 9, when he slipped out a back window, met his wife and telephoned police. Iturbe was able to identify several suspects and police said they are searching for the men.