A terrifying three-week ordeal for a Florida woman ended with her daring escape from a balcony in California. Authorities say 41-year-old Floyd Stuck kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and took her on a violent cross-country trip.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities arrested Stuck last Thursday, charging him with kidnapping, aggravated stalking, installing a tracking device without consent, and fleeing law enforcement, as explained by Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.
Investigation Details
The investigation began when the victim reported a tracking device on her vehicle to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies soon discovered that the victim had endured a harrowing abduction, described as a coast-to-coast nightmare by Sheriff Marceno.
The Coast-to-Coast Ordeal
The incident started on April 20, when Stuck convinced the victim to join him on a supposed three-day trip to New York. However, once they left Lee County, Stuck changed the plan and began threatening her family members. He confiscated her phone and wallet, driving her through multiple states, including Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Nevada.
Authorities allege that during the trip, Stuck physically assaulted the victim, leaving visible injuries. In San Diego, he escalated his actions by restraining her with zip ties and duct tape and holding a knife to her throat.
Daring Escape
The victim managed to escape after three days when Stuck was momentarily distracted by a food delivery. She jumped from a balcony and sought help from a neighboring residence before being taken to a hospital.
Pursuit and Capture
After escaping, Stuck fled the San Diego area. He continued to harass the victim via multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming he had left for South America.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office resumed the case when the victim’s home security footage captured Stuck attempting to plant another tracking device on her vehicle. Authorities launched an exhaustive search.
Stuck was finally apprehended following a pursuit and foot chase in Collier County.
Criminal History and Ongoing Investigation
Stuck has a significant criminal record, including past convictions for armed robbery, fraud, arson, and using fake bomb devices. At the time of his recent arrest, he was on bond in a separate fraud case involving over $100,000.
The investigation into this incident remains active, with potential charges pending in multiple states.
According to Sheriff Marceno, taking Stuck off the streets is a significant relief, with the world safer without his presence.