A Chicago-area man has been arrested for kidnapping a Wisconsin woman after deceiving her with a false flat tire story, authorities revealed on Monday. Jonatan Luna-Carrasco, 28, of North Chicago, was apprehended over the weekend in connection with the abduction that took place on February 25, as reported by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
The incident unfolded when a 22-year-old woman from Whitewater, Wisconsin, and her friend were leaving a nightclub in Waukegan, Illinois. Luna-Carrasco approached them on U.S. Route 41, claiming they had a flat tire. He offered to assist them in changing it and persuaded the woman to seek warmth inside his vehicle.
However, once the victim entered Luna-Carrasco's car, he drove off against her will. The woman managed to escape by jumping out of the vehicle on Highland Avenue in Gurnee and seeking help from a nearby residence. The Gurnee Police Department responded promptly and provided assistance until sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene.
Authorities suspect Luna-Carrasco was attempting to transport the woman to an undisclosed location. While his exact intentions remain unclear, he reportedly made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature during the incident. Through the utilization of Flock camera technology, which scans license plates and alerts law enforcement, detectives were able to locate Luna-Carrasco's gray Dodge Durango.
Luna-Carrasco was taken into custody on March 30 in Waukegan and is currently detained at the Lake County Jail awaiting a court hearing scheduled for Monday. Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement personnel involved in the case, emphasizing the crucial role played by investigative work and technological advancements like the Flock camera system.
Investigators suspect that Luna-Carrasco may have been involved in previous kidnapping incidents, underscoring the importance of swift and effective law enforcement action in preventing such crimes.