An armed man who reportedly kidnapped his girlfriend and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase of more than 20 miles was taken into custody using a smartphone app, authorities announced Sunday.
The Nov. 2 incident occurred in the 10300 block of Lower Azusa in El Monte just before 6 p.m., according to a news release from the El Monte Police Department.
Investigators said the suspect, identified as Mario Montano, showed up at his girlfriend’s workplace “distraught and armed with a firearm.”
“The suspect got into an argument with the victim, which escalated when the suspect forced the victim into his vehicle and drove off without allowing the victim to exit the vehicle,” the statement details.
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During the incident, the girlfriend called a friend, who called police and was able to use the Find My iPhone app to provide location information for the victim and suspect.
Officers in a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopter spotted the vehicle near the Bandini exit on Interstate 5 and alerted the California Highway Patrol, who then attempted a traffic stop.
Authorities said the suspect driver failed to pull over and led CHP on a 21-mile chase until spike strips punctured the car’s tires near Highway 405 and Westminster Avenue. The incident finally ended when the vehicle became undriveable.
Montano was eventually taken into custody on suspicion of kidnapping and felony escape, according to the release.
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Authorities did not say whether the alleged firearm was recovered.
The victim suffered no physical injuries during the ordeal, police added.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the El Monte Police Department at 626-580-2100. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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