Man Arrested for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault in Phoenix

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The shed where the victim was reportedly held captive for 14 days.

News Summary

Timothy James Wood, 36, has been arrested in Phoenix on charges of kidnapping and sexual assault after allegedly holding his girlfriend captive for 14 days. The victim escaped and sought help, revealing extensive injuries. Wood reportedly used physical restraints and subjected her to severe abuse. He faces serious charges and remains in custody. The case highlights the dangers of intimate partner violence and the importance of supporting victims.

Phoenix – A 36-year-old man named Timothy James Wood has been arrested on charges of kidnapping and sexual assault after allegedly holding his girlfriend captive for 14 days. Authorities report that Wood’s actions included physical abuse and severe intimidation during the extended period of confinement.

The victim managed to escape from the shed where she was reportedly held, seeking refuge at a neighboring home. Upon her arrival, the neighbor described her as “frantic” and in extreme distress, displaying extensive injuries such as swelling, bite marks, and bruises. Notably, she had two black eyes and a visible cut on her face, which highlighted the severity of her ordeal.

According to police statements, Wood used physical restraints, including chains and bricks, to secure the shed and prevent the victim from escaping. Throughout the 14 days, the victim reported being beaten and subjected to forced sexual acts under threats of death. She also indicated that Wood suffocated her by applying pressure to her neck and made various threats, including one to amputate her foot with a saw. Additionally, the victim claimed to have been buried in a hole dug beneath the shed for two days, further escalating the horrifying nature of her captivity.

Wood was apprehended on July 2 outside a residence near Glendale and 23rd avenues, where he was staying with his parents. During his initial court appearance, prosecutors outlined the allegations against him based on the victim’s testimony. In contrast, Wood maintained his innocence, asserting that the victim suffers from mental health issues and that he was not present at the home when police arrived.

Following her escape, the victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment, where her injuries revealed the extent of the abuse inflicted upon her during the two weeks. Wood now faces serious charges and remains in custody with bail set at $150,000 cash-only, indicating the gravity of the situation.

It is important to note that Timothy James Wood has a previous criminal history, including a conviction for attempted aggravated domestic violence, for which he served a year in prison in 2010. This background may play a role in the judicial processing of his current charges.

Authorities are taking this case seriously and encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help. Resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available to support individuals facing similar situations, emphasizing the importance of community and professional assistance in addressing domestic violence.

The circumstances surrounding this case serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with intimate partner violence. The commitment from law enforcement and the judicial system aims to ensure the safety of victims and to hold offenders accountable for their actions.