Fullerton, California — A disturbing early-morning incident in Fullerton escalated into a countywide search over the weekend, ending with the arrest of a 42-year-old man accused of kidnapping and violently assaulting two individuals.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call around 4:10 a.m. Sunday near Acacia Avenue and Dawns Way. A woman reported that a man known to her was attacking her and another person, and attempting to force her into his vehicle against her will.
While the dispatcher remained on the line, the situation intensified. Authorities said sounds of a struggle were heard before the call abruptly went silent. Moments later, audio captured what appeared to be a vehicle speeding away.
Violent Confrontation and Abduction
When officers arrived, they saw a vehicle fleeing the area. At the scene, they located a male victim who had been involved in the altercation. He told police that the suspect had assaulted him and forcibly dragged the woman into his car before fleeing.
The crime reportedly began in nearby Anaheim, where both victims were sitting inside a parked car when the suspect approached aggressively and began striking the vehicle. Concerned for her safety, the woman urged the driver to head toward the police station.
As they drove along Acacia Avenue, the suspect allegedly pursued them and rammed their vehicle multiple times. The chase continued into a cul-de-sac on Dawns Way, where the situation escalated further.
Police said the suspect again rammed the car, exited his vehicle, and vandalized the victims’ car. When the male victim stepped out, he was attacked and threatened. Investigators say the suspect demanded his wallet and made threats involving a firearm.
In an attempt to defend himself, the victim reportedly grabbed a hammer, while the suspect allegedly used a metal sign as a weapon. The confrontation then shifted toward the female victim.
Authorities say the suspect forcibly took her phone—while she was still connected to dispatch—threw it to the ground, and abducted her by forcing her into his vehicle.
Search and Arrest
Roughly an hour after the abduction, a police officer located the suspect’s vehicle on the shoulder of the 57 Freeway near Ball Road in Anaheim. The suspect fled on foot, crossing multiple lanes of traffic, prompting an extensive search and temporary freeway closure.
After several hours of coordinated efforts, detectives tracked down the suspect later that day in Newport Beach. He was identified as 42-year-old Charles Hernandez, a resident of Anaheim.
He was taken into custody and booked on multiple serious charges, including kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, felony vandalism, and domestic violence.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not yet disclosed the current condition of the victims or clarified the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the girl victim. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to piece together additional details.
Officials are urging anyone with further information to contact Fullerton Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detective N. Valdes at 714-738-6754.
The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and highlights how quickly a situation can escalate into life-threatening violence.
