Man Poses as Undercover Police Officer, Kidnaps Woman in Seattle and Holds Her Captive in Oregon Garage
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A man who posed as an undercover police officer kidnapped a woman in Seattle, drove her hundreds of miles to his home in Oregon, and locked her in a makeshift cell in his garage before she managed to escape and flag down a passing motorist, the FBI said Wednesday.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Negasi Zuberi, now faces a federal interstate kidnapping charge. Authorities are also investigating his possible involvement in sexual assaults in at least four other states.
According to Stephanie Shark, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland field office, the victim was subjected to a horrifying ordeal. “This woman was kidnapped, chained, sexually assaulted, and locked in a cinderblock cell,” Shark said in a news release. “Her quick thinking and will to survive may have saved other women from a similar nightmare.”
The incident began when Zuberi solicited the woman, referred to as Adult Victim 1, in the early morning hours of July 15 to engage in prostitution along Aurora Avenue in Seattle, an area known for sex work. Afterward, Zuberi claimed to be an undercover officer, showed her a badge, and pointed a stun gun at her. He then handcuffed and placed her in the back of his vehicle.
During the drive to his home in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Zuberi stopped along the way to sexually assault the victim. Upon arrival, he locked her in a makeshift cell he had constructed in his garage, which consisted of cinderblocks and a door made of metal bars. Zuberi informed the victim that he was leaving to do paperwork, giving her an opportunity to escape.
The victim, realizing that her life was in danger, began banging on the door until she managed to break it open. She then saw Zuberi’s vehicle parked in the garage, opened it, and grabbed his gun before fleeing. In her escape, she left blood on a wooden fence she climbed over and flagged down a passing driver who called 911.
Zuberi fled Klamath Falls but was apprehended by state police in Reno, Nevada, the following day. He was found in his car with one of his children in the front seat, speaking to his wife who was outside the vehicle. Initially refusing to comply with officers’ orders, Zuberi cut himself with a sharp object and attempted to destroy his phone before eventually surrendering.
Authorities are now urging anyone with information about Zuberi or any potential additional victims to come forward. Zuberi has used multiple aliases, including Sakima, Justin Hyche, and Justin Kouassi, and has lived in various states since 2016, including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and Nevada.
Zuberi is currently being held on federal kidnapping charges, and it is unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
How did the victim manage to escape from her captor’s clutches and seek help?
In downtown Seattle, claiming he was an undercover police officer and that she had outstanding warrants. He convinced her to accompany him to his vehicle, where he blindfolded her and drove her to his residence in Oregon.
Once they arrived at his home, Zuberi led the victim to a makeshift cell in his garage, which was made of cinderblocks and fitted with chains. He sexually assaulted her and left her locked up, while he went about his normal routine.
Fortunately, the victim was able to escape from her captor’s clutches. She managed to free herself from the chains and use a tool she found in the cell to break open the garage door. She then flagged down a passing motorist, who called the authorities.
The FBI was quickly notified and launched an investigation into the heinous crime. They were able to track down Zuberi and apprehend him at his residence. He now faces federal charges for the interstate kidnapping and is being held without bail.
Additionally, authorities suspect that Zuberi may have committed similar crimes in other states. They are currently investigating his possible involvement in sexual assaults in at least four other states.
Stephanie Shark, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland field office, commended the victim for her bravery and quick thinking. ”This woman endured a truly horrifying experience, but her courage and determination to survive may have prevented other women from suffering the same fate,” Shark said.
The case serves as a reminder for individuals to remain cautious and vigilant, even when dealing with someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. It is important to verify their credentials and contact local authorities if there are any suspicions.
The FBI urges anyone with information regarding Zuberi or other potential victims to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
This is a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking within our society. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies urgently collaborate and utilise every resource available to catch this malicious individual. Nobody should live in fear of becoming the next victim.