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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (KSAZ) - What started as a kidnapping case out of California is now under investigation here in Arizona. The suspect and victim were spotted in the West Valley over the weekend.
Early on Sunday morning, kidnapping victim, Virginia Paris, 55, and the suspect, Joseph Hetzel, 52, were seen at a Starbucks located in Goodyear, Arizona. When Paris ordered her coffee drink, she gave the name Virginia. She then went to the bathroom and she she came out, she told a female customer in the coffee shop that she needed help.
According to officials, Hetzel saw this interaction, grabbed Paris and dragged her out of the shop. He then kicked her into a vehicle and drove off at a high rate of speed. As the vehicle left the scene, Paris threw her car registration out, and it was recovered by Goodyear Police.
The vehicle is Paris' black 2015 Chrysler 200 with a California license plate number of 7NGE514. The vehicle was last seen entering the Interstate 10 freeway eastbound toward Phoenix.
Police say the kidnapping originated in the city of Solvang, Calif. where investigators with Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office began investigating at about 7:30 p.m. on September 1, 2017. Investigators believe Paris has been kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, Hetzel.
Paris is described as a white female adult, approximately 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light colored shirt.
Associates of Paris report that she recently sought a restraining order against Hetzel which was granted, but has yet to be served.
Hetzel is described as a white male adult, approximately 6 foot 2 inches, weighing 195 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a light blue colored shirt.
He has previously served time in prison for possession of items used to make explosive devices, using explosive devices with the intent to terrorize, felony vandalism and criminal threats.
He is believed to have access to firearms and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police warn not to approach or contact Hetzel if seen.
If you have any information about this case, call 911.