A brazen daylight kidnapping at a Washington State coffee stand has sent shockwaves through the local community, with a teenager now facing serious charges for the alleged abduction of a female barista.
Snohomish County prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Ezekiel Guerrero with second-degree kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment following the terrifying incident, which was captured on the stand's security system.
The Terrifying Ordeal
According to court documents, the victim was working at the Espresso Gone Crazy coffee kiosk in Everett when Guerrero allegedly approached the stand and engaged her in conversation. What began as a seemingly normal customer interaction quickly turned sinister.
Prosecutors state that Guerrero, without warning, reached through the service window and physically grabbed the barista. In a desperate struggle, the victim fought back, managing to break free from his initial grasp. The security footage reportedly shows a violent tussle as the young woman valiantly resisted her attacker.
A Desperate Escape
The situation escalated dramatically when Guerrero allegedly produced a knife and proceeded to cut through a rubber seal around the service window, gaining forced entry into the confined space of the coffee stand.
Once inside, he is accused of physically overpowering the terrified barista. The victim told police that Guerrero attempted to bind her hands with what appeared to be a shoelace during the struggle. Her courageous resistance ultimately enabled her to escape and alert authorities.
Swift Police Response and Arrest
Responding officers from the Everett Police Department located Guerrero near the scene shortly after the incident. During their investigation, law enforcement discovered several concerning items in his possession, including a knife, a handcuff box, and multiple shoelaces—evidence that prosecutors would later present in court.
Guerrero now remains in custody at the Snohomish County Jail, with a judge setting bail at $250,000 amid concerns about the severity of the allegations and potential risk to the community.
Community and Legal Response
The case has highlighted ongoing security concerns for workers in the region's numerous bikini barista stands, which have occasionally been targets for criminal activity in the past.
As the legal process moves forward, the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office has emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice in this disturbing case. The community now watches closely as developments unfold, with many expressing relief that the quick response prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy.
