Man Charged With Kidnapping Estranged Girlfriend

 Posted on March 11, 2014 in Criminal Defense

A 23-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested and is now facing charges after allegedly attempting to kidnap his estranged girlfriend, according to WTNH News 8. “Police say the victim was in the parking lot [of a Food Bazaar] with several friends when Vega approached and showed a gun,” WTNH reports. “The victim was forced into Vega’s car and he drove off towards I-95 southbound.”

Police suspect that Vega was headed toward the Bronx when he was apprehended. The woman in the car was freed immediately upon Vega’s arrest. According to WTNH, “she was treated for undisclosed injuries suffered during the ordeal. Police say Vega kidnapped her because she was trying to end a 7-year relationship that was abusive.” In addition to the kidnapping charges, Vega is likely also facing gun charges, as officers found an illegal gun in his car at the time of his arrest.

According to TruTV.com, if Vega hadn’t been apprehended, he wouldn’t have been alone in his crime. “An astounding 2,300 Americans are reported missing every day,” TruTV.com reports, “including both adults and children.” Only a very small percentage of these “are stereotypical abductions or kidnappings by a stranger.” The large majority of these are child abductions perpetrated by someone whom the child knows.

Reporting on adult abductions is a tricky endeavor, because many adults who go missing have runaway on their own. “Among missing adults,” TruTV.com reports, “about one-sixth have psychiatric problems. Young men, people with drug or alcohol addictions and elderly citizens suffering dementia make up other significant subgroups of missing adults.”

Escaping a violent relationship is by far the more common theme of the incident for which Vega has been charged. According to Psychology Today, “leaving an abusive relationship is risky—but possible.” The most important piece of advice that Psychology Today suggests for women attempting to leave violent relationships is to develop a safety plan that accounts for worst-case scenario situations.

If you or someone you know has been kidnapped in Connecticut—or accused of kidnapping—the most important step is to seek legal counsel. Don’t go through it alone. Contact the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner today.