A kidnapping and robbery investigation is underway in Davis after a local man said two strangers forced him to drive to his bank and withdraw money, according to police.
The unusual incident was reported Tuesday by the victim, who told officers he was pumping gas at the Shell station on Anderson Road and West Covell Boulevard — his toddler child in the back seat — at about 4:20 p.m. when a couple pulled up alongside him in their gray Ford Explorer, which had two young children sleeping in the back seat, Lt. Art Camacho said.
“They said they were in financial distress because of COVID-19 and asked him to give them money, and they offered jewelry items in return,” including a gold-colored necklace and ring, Camacho said.
The man refused but offered to fill the couple’s gas tank, the counter-offer also declined.
“As he got into his vehicle to leave, the female got in the front passenger side of the victim’s vehicle, and she demanded they go to his bank to give her $300,” Camacho said. “He’s intimidated by this, and so he complies.”
Camacho said the man drove to a Bank of America branch as the male suspect followed in the Ford. He withdrew $200 — “That’s all I have,” he told the couple — and they parted ways.
The man drove home and relayed the incident to his wife, who contacted police. The man described the male suspect as an East Indian male, 30 to 40 years old, about 5-foot-5 with a medium build and short black hair, wearing a purple long-sleeved shirt and gray pants. The woman wore a face mask, yellow shirt and brown head covering similar to a hijab. They also spoke Spanish to one another at times, Camacho said.
Anyone who may have been approached by this couple, or has information about their whereabouts, is urged to contact the Davis Police Department at 530-747-5400.
— Reach Lauren Keene at lkeene@davisenterprise.net or 530-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene