KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — A 25-year-old Knoxville man has been charged with aggravated kidnapping after police say he forcibly removed his ex-girlfriend from a vehicle and drove away with her Tuesday night.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, officers responded around 11:30 p.m. on July 21 to the 100 block of Atlantic Avenue following a report of a kidnapping.
Investigators said a man told officers he was helping one of his employees retrieve clothing from her home. A short time later, the woman reportedly ran from the residence and told the man that her ex-boyfriend, identified as Wilson Rodriguez Garcia, was armed with a knife.
Police said the man and the woman then left the residence in his truck. As they were driving away, Garcia allegedly drove his vehicle in front of them on Cedar Avenue, blocking their path.
According to KPD, once both vehicles stopped, Garcia got out of his vehicle, forcibly removed the woman from the truck and fled the area with her.
Officers and investigators began searching for the pair and ultimately located Garcia and the victim at a motel on East Andrew Johnson Highway in Morristown.
The victim was found safe, and officers with the Morristown Police Department took Garcia into custody.
Following an interview with Knoxville Police Department Violent Crimes Unit detectives, Garcia was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping.
He was transported back to Knoxville following his arrest.
The investigation remains ongoing.
