Man accused of kidnapping ex-girlfriend arrested in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- A man who allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend in Solvang and took her through Arizona before leaving her in Nevada has been arrested, officials said.

Joseph Hetzel, 52, of Lompoc, was found and arrested in Las Vegas Tuesday night, officials said.
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He was booked at the Henderson Detention Center in Nevada on charges of carjacking and kidnapping. Bail was set at $1 million.

Late Monday night, authorities said, he dropped off the alleged victim, Virginia Paris, 55, at a casino in Henderson and drove off.

Paris and Hetzel were last spotted together at a Starbucks in Arizona, when she told a customer she needed help right before Hetzel allegedly forced her back into a car.
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Associates of Paris said she recently sought a restraining order against Hetzel which was granted but not yet served.

Hetzel has previously served time in prison for possession of items used to make explosive devices, using explosive devices with the intent to terrorize, felony vandalism and criminal threats, sheriff's official said.