Deputies rescue woman held against her will by alleged kidnapper
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DUBOIS — Clark County deputies arrested an alleged kidnapper Tuesday after a woman called from a gas station bathroom saying she was being held against her will.
Authorities say the 911 call came in around 9:30 a.m. Deputies rushed to the single gas station in the community of about 600 people. According to a Clark County Sheriff’s Office news release, a man later identified as 34-year-old Darryl A. Romero was “acting strange” outside the gas station.
Investigators spoke with the victim who described Romero as the kidnapper. She told officers that Romera threatened to slit her throat, and she had several visible injuries to her neck, face and eye.
As deputies worked to determine what happened, Romero tried leaving the gas station, but deputies stopped him and took him into custody.
During a search of Romero, deputies found a chain in his pocket that he allegedly used to choke the female. Inside the vehicle used by Romero, deputies also found several knives Romero is alleged to have used to threaten the victim. Deputies also reported finding drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Clark County Sheriff John Clements told EastIdahoNews.com Romero is from Montana. He and the victim were traveling through the area. It appears the incident may have crossed state lines.
The Family Crisis Center from Rexburg came up to Dubois to help the woman.
Romero was booked into the Clark County Jail on felony kidnapping and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. A search of public court records does not show official charges being filed as of Wednesday morning.
Clements said the incident remains under investigation.
EastIdahoNews.com will continue to provide updates on this developing story.