Bay Area Resident Linked to Alleged Kidnapping and Chaining of Woman in Oregon
In a shocking turn of events, a 29-year-old man with ties to the Bay Area has been arrested in connection with a disturbing case of kidnapping and violence in Oregon. The suspect, identified as Negasi Zuberi, allegedly drugged victims’ drinks and impersonated police officers as part of his modus operandi.
The investigation unfolded when a courageous woman from Seattle managed to escape from her captor’s clutches. She recounted a harrowing ordeal that began with her kidnapping and being driven 450 miles away to a home in Klamath Falls, Oregon—a journey that took approximately seven hours.
Authorities revealed that the victim was found chained up in a cinder block cell and subjected to sexual assault. The homemade cell was discovered in the garage, illuminated only by a single light bulb, emphasizing the terrifying conditions in which she was held captive.
The woman’s escape led to the suspect’s arrest in Reno, Nevada. A federal grand jury indicted Zuberi on charges of kidnapping related to this specific case.
During the investigation, it was uncovered that the suspect had lived in multiple states, and notably resided in the Oakland area from 2012 to 2018. His extensive history and use of aliases, including the name Justin Hyche, have made it challenging for authorities to track his activities and potential victims.
FBI Special Agent In Charge Stephanie Shark emphasized the gravity of the situation, revealing that the evidence pointed to an alarming pattern of violence targeting women across several states.
“The disturbing evidence uncovered to date points to an individual’s ongoing and escalating pattern of violence targeting women in multiple states throughout the country,” Shark stated.
Given the suspect’s history and modus operandi, investigators suspect that there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. The authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case or potential additional victims to step forward and aid in the ongoing investigation.