A Florida man who kidnapped his girlfriend, taking her on what authorities called a “cross-country road trip from hell,” was finally caught. It took a joint effort by various agencies and a chase across Southwest Florida, leading to his arrest this week.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced the arrest of 41-year-old Floyd Stuck, who investigators say kidnapped the victim during a trip that was initially planned as a drive to New York, on Facebook. According to authorities, the situation escalated on the morning of April 20 when Stuck allegedly began acting erratically and insisted on continuing to travel.
Investigators said the pair traveled through Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Nevada during what authorities think became an extended period of abuse. The ordeal reportedly ended in California, where Stuck is accused of restraining the victim with zip ties and duct tape while threatening to kill her.
The victim escaped by jumping from a balcony and running to the police for help, according to local law enforcement. Authorities didn’t share more info on where in California it happened or if charges were filed yet.
Kidnapper Drove U-Haul With Victim Across States
Weeks later, on June 2, authorities say the victim had returned to Lee County when home surveillance footage alerted her that Stuck had arrived at her residence. Investigators allege Stuck was attempting to place a tracking device on her vehicle when law enforcement was notified.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a search effort, deploying deputies throughout the area in an attempt to locate the suspect. Sheriff Marceno said investigators quickly worked to track Stuck’s movements using surveillance tools and coordinated investigative efforts.
In a statement following the arrest, Marceno said, “Stuck was now feeling what it was like to be hunted and experiencing the same fear he had instilled in someone else.”
He Really Didn’t Want To Be Caught by Police
Authorities said deputies located Stuck Tuesday night in the Bonita Springs area and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, investigators say Stuck fled, leading deputies on a pursuit near Coconut Point before temporarily escaping.
During a brief break in the chase, authorities allege Stuck abandoned his vehicle and used a rideshare service to flee into neighboring Collier County. Investigators later determined he had rented a U-Haul van in an apparent attempt to continue evading law enforcement.
On Wednesday, deputies with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office located the U-Haul and initiated another pursuit. Authorities said the chase ultimately ended with a foot pursuit and Stuck’s arrest without further incident.
Suspect Faces Heavy Charges
Stuck now faces charges including kidnapping, aggravated stalking, installation or use of a tracking device without consent, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. Officials noted that additional charges could be forthcoming in other states as investigators continue reviewing the alleged incidents that occurred during the trip.
If convicted, then Sruck faces up to life in prison and $5,000 in fines. In a case like this, the kidnapping allegation would likely be the centerpiece and drive the largest potential sentence if prosecutors secure a conviction.
In a final message to those involved, Marceno wrote, “Thanks to the relentless work of our deputies, detectives, and local and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous individual is behind bars. Lee County will remain a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”