Advertisement

Ex-Boyfriend Is Held in Kidnapping, Carjacking

An Oxnard man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a former girlfriend in her car and trying to push her out as they drove at speeds up to 65 mph.

Police said Rogelio Reyes Lopez, 21, had followed the victim as she drove home from a class about 10 p.m. Wednesday. He drove into her path and made her pull over, police said.

He then forced her to ride around for about two hours and tried to push her from the car several times while traveling, police said.

Advertisement

The couple ended their relationship four years ago but Lopez apparently continued to be jealous, said Oxnard Police Det. Robert Coughlin.

The 19-year-old victim’s name was withheld to protect her from retaliation, police said, because Lopez is thought to have gang affiliations.

She escaped when he stopped the car at the Ventura Harbor and a harbor patrol officer approached, police said. Lopez fled, but police found him Thursday.

Advertisement

He remains in jail on suspicion of attempted murder, carjacking and kidnapping. Bail is set at $500,000.

Advertisement
Advertisement