What started as a terrifying night outside an Oxnard shopping center in January has now led to an arrest, police say, after a 17-year-old girl allegedly forced into the cargo area of an SUV managed to escape when the vehicle crashed.
The Oxnard Police Department reports the incident began on Jan. 15 at about 8:30 p.m. at a Marshalls on Ventura Boulevard. Investigators allege that 29-year-old Carlos Canon assaulted someone with a belt, tried to hit another person with his vehicle, and then forced the 17-year-old into the SUV’s rear cargo compartment. Canon allegedly drove off and sped through the area with the girl trapped in the back until a collision near Auto Center Drive and Rose Avenue. Witnesses told officers that Canon ran from the crash, and the teen was able to get out of the vehicle, according to statements, surveillance footage and cellphone video reviewed by CBS News Los Angeles.
Arrest While Already Behind Bars
Detectives later tracked Canon to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he was already in custody on unrelated charges, Oxnard police said. He was booked there on the new allegations. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office describes the Pre-Trial Detention Facility as the county jail that holds inmates awaiting court appearances and manages new bookings and transfers, with details available through the agency's inmate information pages. Investigators say they are continuing to coordinate with jail staff and prosecutors as the case moves forward.
Charges and Next Steps
According to Oxnard police, Canon was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, child endangerment and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors will now review the investigation and decide whether to file formal charges and set bail, authorities told CBS News Los Angeles. At the time of that report, officials had not released any information about court dates or bail decisions.
Resources for Victims and the Public
According to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, the Crime Victims' Assistance Unit offers help for victims of violent crime - including support with protective orders and access to counseling - and can be reached through the DA's victim services pages. Police are asking anyone who may have information about the Jan. 15 incident to contact the Oxnard Police Department. Authorities also urge residents who witness suspicious or dangerous behavior to call law enforcement rather than try to intervene. The Ventura County DA keeps victim resources and contact information available online for people who need immediate assistance.
