BEND, Ore. -- A 20-year old Bend man was arrested late Sunday morning in connection with the alleged kidnapping and assault of his former girlfriend. Police believe the suspect broke into the woman's home twice, set fire to her property, caused minor injuries by running into her with his vehicle, then kidnapped her before she was rescued.

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Abel Gutierrez-Prieto, DCJ photo�

Bend Police Sgt. Clint Burleigh said officers received a call from the victim, 28-year old Sara Garcia, about 11:50 a.m., March 9, and responded to the Shell Stop-and-Go at 2699 NE Highway 20.

Officers contacted Garcia and her ex-boyfriend, Abel Gutierrez-Prieto, inside the business, and initiated an investigation.

Police said they believe the suspect unlawfully entered Garcia’s home in the 100 block of NE Telima Lane twice between Saturday night and Sunday morning, damaging property and setting it on fire. Garcia received “minor injury”, Burleigh said, when the suspect allegedly hit her with his car before kidnapping her. The victim was able to phone for help when Gutierrez-Prieto stopped at the gas station and convenience store.

Gutierrez-Prieto was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail. He is charged with half-a-dozen crimes including second-degree kidnap, second-degree assault, first-degree arson, two counts of first-degree burglary, and harassment.