Deputies responded to the 4700 block of Oak Crest Road after a 61-year-old female victim called and stated an unknown male attempted to kidnap her. The victim was walking on a private road when the unknown male, later identified as 51-year-old Francisco Gutierrez, came up behind her, grabbed her from behind and attempted to drag her away. The victim was able to fight off Gutierrez and run to a nearby neighbor for help, where she contacted the Sheriff’s Department. Gutierrez fled the area shortly thereafter.
When deputies arrived in the area to search for Gutierrez, they were flagged down by a citizen who directed them to Gutierrez, who was sitting in a vehicle he had broken into. After multiple attempts to get Gutierrez to come out of the vehicle, deputies utilized a Sheriff’s canine unit and ASTREA to ultimately take Gutierrez into custody. Gutierrez was transported to TriCity Hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained during the incident. Gutierrez will be booked into the Vista Detention Facility for kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape, resisting arrest by force and attempted auto theft after he is released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
