A courageous bystander intervened at a gas station in Cedar City, Utah, to help a woman in distress and prevent a potential kidnapping incident. The woman, who had slipped a handwritten note to the bystander, indicated that she was in trouble and needed assistance. The bystander, who remained anonymous, immediately took action by contacting the police and providing them with crucial information.
The bystander observed the woman and her alleged captor inside the gas station before following them as they left in a white Chevrolet Equinox with Nevada plates. She promptly called 911, providing the license plate details and tracking the vehicle until law enforcement arrived on the scene. A deputy from the Iron County Sheriff's Office located the SUV and pulled over the driver, later identified as Epigmenio Bustillos Marquez.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the woman had been in a long-term relationship with Bustillos Marquez, who had exhibited erratic behavior. She recounted how he had forcefully taken her on a drive, accusing her of infidelity and subjecting her to physical harm. Bustillos Marquez provided false identification to law enforcement, including a fake ID card and misleading personal information.
The victim informed officers that Bustillos Marquez was likely in the country illegally and had crossed the border multiple times. Due to concerns about his potential flight risk, law enforcement recommended holding him without bail. Bustillos Marquez now faces multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping and assault, among others.
Reference from News: Woman escapes alleged kidnapper by slipping SOS note to bystander in Cedar City gas station