Woman in Southern California Fights Off Kidnapping Attempt by Ex-Housekeeper
In a shocking turn of events, a routine errand to support a holiday toy drive took a terrifying twist for Temecula resident Erin Quinn just days before Christmas. The incident unfolded on December 18 in an unincorporated area of Perris, known as Winchester, where Quinn was lured under false pretenses, leading to a brutal attack and possible kidnapping attempt by her ex-housekeeper.
The Terrifying Ordeal
Erin Quinn received a text message from an unknown number with a 213 area code, claiming to be an elderly woman named Connie, requesting her assistance in picking up toys for a Christmas toy drive. Upon arriving at the designated location on Memory Lane, Quinn was ambushed by an unidentified woman wearing a blond wig in the back seat of her car. The assailant proceeded to assault Quinn by pulling her hair, tasering her head multiple times, and threatening her safety.
During the harrowing 30-minute ordeal, Quinn fought back in self-defense, managing to identify her attacker as her former housekeeper, Olga Mendez, after pulling off the wig. Despite Quinn’s attempts to seek help from nearby construction workers, who allegedly witnessed the assault but did not intervene, it wasn’t until a brave bystander intervened that Mendez was finally pulled off Quinn. Mendez then fled the scene, leaving Quinn with non-life-threatening injuries.
Arrest and Charges
Following the incident, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department launched an investigation, ultimately identifying 44-year-old Olga Mendez as the suspect in the kidnapping attempt and assault. Mendez was later apprehended in Paramount, where she was arrested and booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center on charges of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and two unrelated warrants.
The authorities clarified that what was initially perceived as a domestic dispute quickly escalated into a serious criminal offense. Erin Quinn expressed her belief that Mendez had sinister intentions to take her to Mexico for ransom or sale, despite their amicable parting ways four years prior.
Conclusion
As Quinn continues to recover from the traumatic incident, the community has rallied around her by creating a GoFundMe page to assist with her medical expenses, mental health bills, and car repairs. This alarming event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in unexpected places and the importance of remaining vigilant in everyday situations.
