Kidnapped Woman Escapes By Getting Out Of Car Stuck In Covina Traffic
COVINA (CBSLA.com) — A Calimesa man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a young woman who managed to escape by getting out of his moving car while they were stuck in traffic in Covina.
Eric Brockway, 40, was arrested last Saturday on suspicion of kidnapping at his home in Calimesa, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said.
Authorities say an 18-year-old woman willingly went with Brockway, a family friend, in the belief they were going to a nearby McDonald's restaurant last Saturday, but instead, Brockway got onto the westbound I-10 freeway and would not tell the woman where they were going or why. While driving, the woman pleaded with Brockway to stop his car and let her go, but he refused, officials said.
As he drove, Brockway made unwanted physical and verbal advances toward the woman, who began to believe her life was in danger, authorities said.
As they drove through Covina, traffic became so congested it slowed to a near complete stop, at which time the woman crawled out of the open passenger side-door window from the moving vehicle, officials said. She was picked up by a good Samaritan and driven to the Covina Police station.
The Yucaipa Multi-Enforcement team took over the investigation and arrested Brockway at his home. Authorities say they believe the kidnapping was an isolated incident.
Brockway is being held on $1 million bail and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
Anyone with information about the investigation can contact the Yucaipa Sheriff Station at (909) 918-2305.