Abducted woman flees to casino security officers
HENDERSON, Nev. Sept 8 2017— Authorities in two states are investigating after a woman was kidnapped and driven to Nevada.
Authorities say that it all started after a man kidnapped his ex-girlfriend in California and then dropped her off at a Nevada casino before she was rescued.
Santa Barbara County, California, sheriff’s investigators say Joseph Hetezel dropped Virginia Paris off in front of the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson on Monday night and drove off.
Authorities say Paris approached security guards at the casino and told them she had been abducted.
Henderson Officer Rod Pena says security at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino reported to police that Virginia Paris was safe and reporting that she had been abducted.
Sheriff’s office said on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, that investigators are searching for Hetzel, who they say kidnapped Virginia Paris, his former girlfriend, and had been holding her against her will for several days before dropping her off at a random Henderson casino.
Sheriff’s investigators say Hetzel may be on his way to Utah.
Investigators believe Hetzel kidnapped Paris in Solvang, California, on Friday and drove away in her black Chrysler sedan.
They were seen Sunday near Phoenix, where Paris approached a customer for help at a coffee shop. Investigators say Hetzel saw the exchange, grabbed Paris and dragged her away.
The 55-year-old woman has been taken to the hospital, but it’s unclear if she is injured.
Paris previously obtained a restraining order against Hetzel.
