Kidnapping victim in Southern California saved with help of Find My iPhone app

An armed man who reportedly kidnapped his girlfriend and led law enforcement in high-speed chase of more than 20 miles was taken into custody with the help a smartphone app, officials announced Sunday.  

The Nov. 2 incident unfolded in the 10300 block of Lower Azusa in El Monte just before 6 p.m., according to a news release from the El Monte Police Department.  

Investigators say the suspect, identified as Mario Montano, showed up “armed with a firearm and distraught” to his girlfriend’s place of work.  

“The suspect engaged in an argument with the victim which escalated when the suspect forced the victim into her own vehicle and drove away not allowing the victim to exit,” the release detailed.  

During the incident, the girlfriend called a friend who alerted police and was able to provide the victim and the suspect’s location using the Find My iPhone app.  

Deputies in a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopter located the vehicle on the 5 Freeway near the Bandini exit and notified the California Highway Patrol, who later attempted a traffic stop.  

The suspect driver failed to pull over and proceeded to lead CHP on a 21-mile pursuit that only came to an end when the vehicle was disabled by spike strips that punctured the car’s tires near the 405 Freeway and Westminster Avenue, authorities said.  

Montano, according to the release, was ultimately taken into custody on suspicion of kidnapping and felony evading.  

Officials did not say whether the alleged firearm was recovered.  

The victim was not physically injured during the ordeal, police added.  

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the El Monte Police Department 626-580-2100. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.