WHITEWATER, Wis. (WKOW) — The Whitewater Police Department has arrested a man authorities say held a woman against her will for several days.
18-year-old Yeferson Guzman Rodriguez was on the run and considered armed and dangerous.
Police received a report at 10:23 p.m. Sunday of a woman needing assistance at 363 S. Janesville St. Officers learned that Guzman Rodriguez held the victim against her will for multiple days, at one point holding a gun to her head.
It was reported that he was armed at that time, and had potentially barricaded himself in a detached garage or in the basement of the residence.
Guzman Rodriguez had made comments to the victim about willingness to harm law enforcement, according to police.
After an investigation, Chief Dan Meyer said the victim was strangled and battered on Oct. 15. She also reported she lost consciousness at one point.
Police use taser to make arrest
Officers set a perimeter around the residence and garage. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Beloit Police Department SWAT team responded to assist in the search of the property. The suspect was not located on the property during the search.
Whitewater police simultaneously searched multiple residences occupied by individuals known to the suspect without locating him.
Officers later saw Guzman Rodriguez on Highland Street near S. Whiton Street. When officers chased after him, he ran away.
Officers caught and arrested Guzman Rodriguez at 11:11 a.m. after using a taser.
Because the chase was approaching Lincoln Elementary, the school was placed on hold while officers searched the path Guzman Rodriguez traveled to make sure no weapons were in the area.
Potential charges include kidnapping, strangulation
Guzman Rodriguez will be held in the Walworth County Jail and is tentatively charged for kidnapping, false imprisonment, first-degree recklessly endangering safety, substantial battery, strangulation, disorderly conduct and resist/obstruct officer.
If you have any information on Guzman Rodriguez, contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-05555, option #4. Call 911 in an emergency. Anonymous tips may be shared using P3Tips.com.
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