FBI: Kidnapping Victim and Suspect Possibly Headed to Las Vegas Area

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(Photo Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office / CBS5)

SANTA BARBARA—The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has learned that kidnapping suspect Joseph Hetzel and kidnapping victim Virginia Paris are possibly headed to the Las Vegas area. At approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, September 4, 2017, the two checked out of the Grand Canyon Inn in Valle, Arizona where they had spent the night. The Sheriff’s Office is releasing surveillance photos from the hotel that show Hetzel and Paris during the checkout process. Information gathered at that time, indicates that Paris continues to be held against her will and that the two were possibly on their way to Las Vegas, Nevada. They are still believed to be driving in Paris’ black 2015 Chrysler 200 with a CA License number of 7NGE514.

The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the FBI and law enforcement in Nevada and Arizona to locate Paris and Hetzel. Be on the lookout alerts have been sent to all of the law enforcement agencies in both states as well as California. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting members of the public to call 911 immediately if you see Hetzel, Paris, or her vehicle. For anonymous tips, please call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip-Line at 805-681-4171 or go to http://www.sbsheriff.org/anonymoustips.html. Hetzel is considered dangerous and may be armed. If you see Hetzel, do not approach him, but call 911.

The investigation began at approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 1, 2017 when Sheriff’s deputies learned that 55-year-old Virginia Paris had been kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, 52-year-old Joseph Hetzel shortly after she left work in the City of Solvang. She had recently sought a restraining order against Hetzel who has served time for crimes related to a domestic incident.

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Kidnapping Victim and Suspect Sighting in Goodyear, Arizona

GOODYEAR, AZ—At approximately 7:15 a.m. this morning, September 3, 2017, kidnapping victim, Virginia Paris and kidnapping suspect, Joseph Hetzel, were seen at a Starbucks located in the 1300 block of N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear, Arizona. When Paris ordered her coffee drink, she gave the name Virginia. She then went to the bathroom and when she came out, she told a female customer in the coffee shop that she needed help. Hetzel saw this interaction, grabbed her, 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 drove off, Paris threw her car registration out of the door and it was recovered by Goodyear Police Officers. The vehicle being used is still Paris’ black 2015 Chrysler 200 with a CA License number of 7NGE514. The vehicle was last seen entering the I-10 Freeway eastbound towards Phoenix.

The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Goodyear Police Department and other Arizona authorities to locate and find Paris and Hetzel. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). A description of the vehicle and the photos of both Paris and Hetzel have been sent to Arizona law enforcement and to the local media.

The Sheriff’s Office is deeply concerned for Paris’ safety and has a large amount of resources dedicated to this case. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Virginia Paris or Joseph Hetzel should call 911. To leave an anonymous tip, please call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip-Line at 805-681-4171 or go to http://www.sbsheriff.org/anonymoustips.html. If you see Hetzel, do not approach him but call 911 immediately. The investigation began at approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 1, 2017 when Sheriff’s deputies learned that 55-year-old Virginia Paris had been kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, 52-year-old Joseph Hetzel shortly after she left work in the City of Solvang. She had recently sought a restraining order against Hetzel who has served time for crimes related to a domestic incident.

Sheriff’s Office Seeks Help in Locating the Victim and Suspect of a Possible Kidnapping from Solvang

SOLVANG—At approximately 7:30 p.m., yesterday, September 1, 2017, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a potential kidnapping that occurred in the City of Solvang earlier in the day. During the ensuing investigation, deputies developed information which suggests the victim, 55-year-old Virginia Paris of Lompoc, was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, 52-year-old Joseph Hetzel of Lompoc.

Evidence suggests that after leaving the City of Solvang, Paris and Hetzel drove southbound on Highway 101 towards Ventura County and were last known to be in the Camarillo area. The subjects are believed to be driving Paris’ black 2015 Chrysler 200 with a CA License number of 7NGE514. Calls to both Paris and Hetzel’s phones have been unsuccessful, and they are believed to be off or non-functioning.

Paris is described as a white female adult, 55-years-old, approximately 5’6″/150 lbs., 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, 52-years-old, approximately 6’2″/195 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a light blue colored shirt. Hetzel 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. Hetzel is believed to have access to firearms and should be considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are encouraged that if they locate Hetzel not to approach or contact him. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of either Virginia Paris or Joseph Hetzel are asked to immediately contact 911. To leave an anonymous tip, call 805-681-4171 or go to http://www.sbsheriff.org/anonymoustips.html.

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