Man arrested after allegedly kidnapping, stabbing ex-wife during child custody exchange

A 48-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his ex-wife during a child custody exchange in Burbank on Wednesday was arrested after witnesses intervened and tied the suspect down, police said.

The man –- identified by police as Trino Godinez –- was meeting the victim near San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street at about 8 a.m. to exchange their two children, said Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick.

Both children were in a car with their mother.

During the meeting, Godinez allegedly took out a handgun and forced the woman out of the driver’s seat and took control of the car.

While driving away, Godinez was allegedly hitting the woman, who was in the passenger seat.

She attempted to flee by getting out of the car, but he followed her out, police said.

He then allegedly tied her down and began stabbing her with a knife.

Nearby witnesses rushed over and reportedly wrestled with Godinez, tying him down until police arrived.

The victim, who was not identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is in stable condition, Kendrick said.

Godinez –- arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, kidnapping, carjacking, domestic violence and child abuse –- was also transported to the hospital for his injuries.

He was being held Wednesday in lieu of $1 million bail.

While police don’t encourage civilian intervention, the individuals who freed the victim “quite possibly saved this lady’s life,” Kendrick said.

-- Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.