THOUSAND OAKS : Man Held in Kidnap of Former Girlfriend

A Norwalk man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of kidnaping in Thousand Oaks for allegedly abducting his former girlfriend outside her church and holding her at gunpoint until he released her.

Thomas Robles, 44, was arrested without incident outside a Thousand Oaks restaurant just before noon Tuesday, Ventura County Sheriff’s Detective Ernie Montagna said.

East Valley detectives and a special enforcement detail staked out the Best Steak restaurant on Thousand Oaks Boulevard after the woman agreed to meet Robles there, Sheriff’s Sgt. Terry Hughes said.

“The suspect called the victim and arranged a meeting,” Hughes said. “The victim then called us.”

Robles had been sought since Dec. 17, when he allegedly forced the 35-year-old woman, whose identity was not disclosed, into his car as she left a church near Sandberg Street and Keats Avenue, Montagna said.

The woman accused Robles of handcuffing her to the front seat of his car as he drove for 1 1/2 hours around Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. The woman said Robles told her that he was angry and distraught over their failing relationship, Montagna said.

A warrant was issued Dec. 21 for Robles’ arrest.

Robles was taken to Ventura County Jail, where he was held on $25,000 bail.