Wimauma, Fla. (970 WFLA)-A search is underway for a man who choked his ex-girlfriend and tried to kidnap her in Hillsborough County. It happened Tuesday morning in Wimauma at a convenience store on SR 674.
Deputies say 31-year-old Freddie Lopez, Jr. of Ruskin followed the woman and a friend of hers to the store, and when the friend went inside, Lopez got in the truck his ex was in and grabbed her by the throat. The woman's friend saw this, ran outside to the truck and pulled the woman to safety as Lopez drove off in the truck. The truck was found about a mile from the convenience store, but Lopez has not been found.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has issued a warrant for Lopez arrest. He is facing charges of Kidnapping, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Domestic Violence Battery. Additional charges could follow.
Lopez is approximately 5'5," 220 lbs, and his last known address is at 119 9th Street Northeast in Ruskin.
Anyone who sees Lopez should not approach him. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Lopez is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.
Photo Credit: Hillsborough Sheriff's Office