Last week saw a pretty terrifying scenario play out in Agua Dulce. According to Santa Clarita Sheriff Station deputies, a little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap in his Agua Dulce mobile home when a stranger armed with a knife entered. The stranger, Thomas Ray Dillingham, brandished a large kitchen knife and allegedly told the grandfather, Oscar Mendez, that he was “taking the baby.” A struggle ensued in which Dillingham reportedly tried to stab Mendez and was able to abscond with the 2-year-old girl.
Distraught, Mendez ran to the neighboring home of Carlos Rodriguez, who immediately called 911. Rodriguez was able to provide an accurate description of Dillingham, as well as remain on the phone while deputies were en route to provide detailed information. Once deputies arrived, they were aided by Mendez and another resident of the mobile home park in locating Dillingham, who was arrested without incident. The little girl was discovered inside the home and appeared to be unharmed.
For his courage during the stressful situation, and the detailed information he was able to provide, Carlos Rodriguez was honored by the LASD and awarded a certificate.
The suspect, Thomas Ray Dillingham, was apparently on parole at the time the alleged crime took place. He is currently being held in lieu of $220,000 bail and being charged with one count of assault and one count of kidnapping.
Kidnapping is covered under several California Penal Codes, including PCs 207, 208, 209 and 209.5 PC. Kidnapping is described as moving another person a substantial distance without that person’s consent and by using force or fear. Kidnapping is a felony in California, and carries with it the possible sentences of up to 8-years in California state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
If certain circumstances exist during the commission of the crime, such as kidnapping someone and demanding ransom, kidnapping someone using force, fear or fraud and that person is under 14-years-old, seriously injure or kill your kidnapping victim, or commit one of several other violations during the commission of the kidnapping, it’s possible to be charged with aggravated kidnapping instead of simple kidnapping. Aggravated kidnapping is a far more serious crime that carries with it the possible sentence of life in prison.