Kidnapped Woman Rescued After Passing Note to Gas Station Customer

Deputies from the Arizona Sheriff’s Department rescued a woman kidnapped by a man who was a patron at a gas station after she left a note of desperation.

According to a press release, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office reported that an unidentified female handed a note on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at a Chevron Station in Seligman, saying she was kidnapped, and asking for someone to call 911.

According to deputies the note also included a description of and phone number for the van she was riding in, along with a statement that said she would be taken either to Kingman, or Las Vegas.

After the customer dialed 911, deputies from sheriff’s departments responded. The customer said that the van “just left westbound along I-40.” “The customer gave both a description for clothing on the woman as well as the man.

“Help. Call 911. Blue Honda van. The note said, “Going towards Kingman Las Vegas”

Jacob Wilhoit (41), was arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The county’s emergency dispatchers determined that the victim was reported missing by her mother earlier in the afternoon. Wilhoit was identified as a suspect.

Detectives discovered that Wilhoit abducted a female from a Phoenix auto dealership on Monday while pretending to drive an Uber. He was wearing a wig.

Officials stated that the suspect allegedly restrained an unidentified woman in his vehicle while driving from Las Vegas towards Lake Mead Park, on Monday night. The police also said that “multiple firearms” were found in the vehicle.

Wilhoit is charged with several assaults, including kidnappings and unlawful imprisonment.

According to the statement of the sheriff’s department, “the victim was saved because she took extraordinary action in passing the note. The customer’s willingness to help also played a role.”