Man Suspected of Kidnapping Woman
An Oxnard man, apparently upset that a former girlfriend jilted him, was arrested on suspicion of carjacking the woman’s car, kidnapping her and trying to throw her from the vehicle, according to authorities.
Police said Rogelio Reyes Lopez, 21, allegedly followed the woman as she traveled home from a class about 10 p.m. Wednesday. Lopez drove his car into her car’s path and forced her to pull over, police said.
He then allegedly forced her into the passenger seat of her own vehicle, threatened to kill her if she didn’t cooperate and then drove around the west county for about two hours, authorities said. Police say Lopez attempted to throw the 19-year-old victim from the car several times while traveling at speeds of at least 65 mph.
Lopez allegedly told the Oxnard woman that if he could not be with her, then no one would, police said. The couple ended their relationship four years ago, said Oxnard Police Det. Robert Coughlin. .
The woman escaped when the car stopped at the Ventura Harbor and a harbor patrol officer approached, police said. The suspect fled on foot, and officers from the Oxnard Violent Crimes Task Force arrested Lopez on Thursday after learning of places he frequents, said Coughlin.
Lopez, who was being held on suspicion of attempted murder, carjacking and kidnapping, remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail.
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