Man accused of kidnapping estranged wife and trying to take her to California

A Washington man was arrested after kidnapping his estranged wife and trying to take her to California over the weekend. According to The Chronicle49 years old Julio Mendoza Salazarof Kent, was charged Monday (April 22) with unlawful confinement, driving under the influence and intimidation, and threatening to kill.

The victim called 911 around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday (April 21) about her husband trying to kidnap her and take her to California, according to court documents. She claims Mendoza Salazar asked her to “go out as friends” and she agreed. After drinking together, the suspect allegedly refused to take her home.

Officials said she remained on the phone with dispatchers as Mendoza Salazar drove through Lewis County. The victim said he was driving “like crazy” and threatened to crash and kill them both. She allegedly told law enforcement personnel, “I think he’s drunk. I know he wouldn’t do anything, but he threatened to kill us both.”

A Washington State Patrol trooper and a Lewis County sheriff’s deputy spotted the suspect’s vehicle and began pursuing him toward Chehalis. Authorities allege Mendoza Salazar was driving at “erratic speeds,” struggling to stay in his lane and getting too close to other vehicles.

Eventually, Mendoza stopped Salazar and the victim got out of the vehicle while still on the phone with 911 personnel. When police checked the 49-year-old driver, they noted in court papers that there was “a strong odor of intoxicants” coming from the vehicle. Mendoza Salazar was said to have difficulty standing and had to continue leaning on his seat for support.

The suspect admitted to having “only four or five” drinks and did not answer why he was driving in the opposite direction of the victim’s home in Kent, according to officials. A breath test confirmed that his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit at the time of his arrest, reporters said.

A judge set his bail at $25,000 before his preliminary hearing on Tuesday (April 23). As part of the conditions of his release, he was not allowed to drink alcohol during the case. He is also not allowed to contact the victim.