A Texas woman who found herself stranded with a flat tire was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a man who pulled over and offered to help. The suspect, Reynaldo Tapia-Arcibar, 31, faces aggravated kidnapping and sexual abuse charges in connection with the May 16 incident.
A Texas woman faced a harrowing ordeal after being stranded along the roadside with a flat tire. Her plea for assistance turned into a nightmare when the man who stopped to help allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted her. Reynaldo Tapia-Arcibar, 31, now faces aggravated kidnapping and sexual abuse charges for his actions.
According to court records, the incident occurred on May 16 in Austin, Texas. Dispatchers received a frantic call from a woman "screaming for help" and reporting that she had just been sexually assaulted. The victim had spent an hour waiting for roadside assistance when Tapia-Arcibar approached her.
Tapia-Arcibar offered to help the woman by taking her to get a replacement tire. However, after she entered his "boxy white SUV," he allegedly locked the doors and drove her to an apartment complex, where he sexually assaulted her.
During the assault, the victim attempted to escape but was unable to open the locked car doors. In a desperate move, she sent her location to a friend and dialed 911 once she was able to flee the suspect's vehicle.
Police arrived at the scene 10 minutes later, thanks to the victim's shared location. Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock praised the woman's quick thinking, emphasizing that sharing location data can significantly speed up law enforcement response times.
Seven hours after the initial incident, police located Tapia-Arcibar leaving an apartment at the same complex where the assault occurred. He was promptly arrested and is currently being held on $50,000 bond.
Bullock advised individuals waiting for roadside assistance to call their local police for protection until help arrives. He also recommended asking for the name and vehicle description of anyone responding to a roadside assistance call.
Under Texas law, aggravated kidnapping is a first-degree felony punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison and fines up to $10,000. Tapia-Arcibar's next court appearance is scheduled for June 12.
The victim's experience highlights the importance of personal safety when facing roadside emergencies. Sharing location information and being cautious of those offering assistance can help prevent such tragic incidents.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about similar incidents or who may have been a victim of Tapia-Arcibar to contact the Austin Police Department.
