A 41-year-old Florida woman recently escaped a harrowing three-week kidnapping after being allegedly held captive and driven across the United States by her ex-boyfriend. Her escape involved a daring leap from a California balcony, allowing her to seek help, authorities reported.
Kidnapping Details
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno stated that Floyd Stuck was arrested on charges such as kidnapping, aggravated stalking, and installing a tracking device without consent. The alleged ordeal began in Southwest Florida, prompting a cross-country pursuit for the victim’s safety.
The investigation was initiated when the victim approached the Lee County Sheriff’s Office about Stuck’s attempt to plant a tracking device on her car. This revelation led deputies to uncover an extensive history of terrorizing behavior over several months.
“This suspect is a calculated maniac and a very dangerous person,” said Sheriff Marceno.
According to investigators, Stuck lured the victim into what was supposed to be a brief trip to New York on April 20. Once they had departed, plans changed unexpectedly, and he began to act unpredictably.
Abduction and Escalation
Authorities reported that Stuck communicated threats to the victim, endangering her family should she disobey his demands. He reportedly deprived her of her phone and wallet as they traversed multiple states, including Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Nevada, all the while posing a lethal threat.
The aggression escalated upon their arrival in San Diego, where Stuck allegedly restrained the victim using zip ties and tape, threatening her life.
The victim seized an opportunity to escape after three days when Stuck was momentarily preoccupied. She jumped from a balcony and reached a nearby residence to contact authorities.
Apprehension and Ongoing Investigation
After the victim’s escape, Stuck evaded law enforcement in San Diego but continued to harass her, pretending he had fled to South America. She returned to Lee County, where her security system captured Stuck trying again to attach a tracking device to her vehicle.
Sheriff Marceno described a coordinated response to apprehend Stuck, resulting in a multi-agency pursuit. Stuck was eventually arrested in Collier County following a rigorous chase.
“Knowing Stuck was free and a threat to others was unacceptable. We had to apprehend him,” Marceno said.
Stuck’s criminal record is extensive, involving charges of armed robbery, fraud, and fleeing law enforcement. He was on bond for a different fraud case at the time of arrest. Authorities continue their investigation, with the potential for more charges across various states.
“The world’s a better place when he’s off the streets,” added Marceno.