NorCal Woman Escapes Kidnapping By Hiding In Gas Station Bathroom: Sheriff

BLUE LAKE, CA — A 35-year-old Northern California woman has been rescued by authorities after she escaped a kidnapping outside of her home, authorities said.

Deputies responded to a report after 911 was called and multiple text messages were received on April 23 just around 3:47 a.m. from a woman who said she was hiding in a restroom at a gas station in Blue Lake. The woman said she was kidnapped outside of her home in McKinleyville, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

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Timothy Richard Long, 46 was identified as a suspect. He was found at a gas station after he pulled his vehicle over to refuel near Highway 299, authorities said.

Deputies found the woman hiding in the gas station restroom.

Long was detained at the gas station. Based on their investigation and evidence gathered at the scene, he was arrested, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Long was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for kidnapping, violation of a domestic violence court order, and violation of probation, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities did not disclose Long's relationship to the woman.

It was unknown if she suffered any injuries.

Anyone with information related to the investigation was asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at 707-445-7251 or the Crime Tip Line at 707-268-2539.