Calexico man arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap wife

Calexico Police said Samuel Muñoz, 33, broke the door down of his estranged wife’s house on Wednesday night and grabbed her by the neck in front of their two small children.

One of the children ran outside to get help and Muñoz ran after the child. When he couldn’t catch up to the child, Munoz allegedly returned to the house and again grabbed the victim by the neck. Police said Muñoz then dragged the victim to a car outside, but before he could put her inside the car he let go of the victim and he ran away.

Police were not able to find Muñoz when they arrived at the home and the woman went to her mother’s for the night. Muñoz was arrested on Thursday when he allegedly went looking for the victim at her mother’s house. Police said Muñoz has a lengthy criminal record.

“While she’s calling 911, he kicked the front door wide open with the first kick. He made entrance inside the house. He grabbed her by the neck area, brought her to the ground. At the same time his daughter, or their daughter, ran outside to call for help,” Calexico Police Officer Shaun Sundahl said.

Muñoz is facing charges for kidnapping, stalking, burglary, child endangerment and violation of a restraining order.