Chino Hills, CA — A 51-year-old woman from North Carolina was rescued by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies over the weekend after being held against her will, authorities confirmed on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The rescue came during a law enforcement response to a report of suspicious individuals loitering outside a retail location, demonstrating the importance of community vigilance and rapid police action.
Officials said the woman had allegedly been kidnapped and forced to participate in criminal activities by a 28-year-old New York resident and an unidentified female accomplice, highlighting the cross-jurisdictional nature of some modern criminal investigations.
How the Rescue Happened
According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department release, deputies responded to a call just after 2:30 p.m. on October 11, 2025, reporting suspicious individuals outside the Sephora store at The Shoppes at Chino Hills, located at 13920 City Center Drive.
When deputies arrived, they detained Rahson Govantes, 28, and located the 51-year-old woman, who was immediately identified as the victim.
During the initial investigation, deputies discovered several fraudulent identification cards, social security cards, and debit cards, suggesting that the suspects had engaged in extensive criminal activity across multiple states.
Victim’s Ordeal and Investigation
Following interviews with the victim, authorities determined that she had been kidnapped by Govantes and an unidentified woman. The suspects allegedly forced the victim to travel across state lines to participate in illegal activities, reportedly to repay debts owed to the perpetrators.
While law enforcement officials have not disclosed the exact timeline of the kidnapping, investigators noted that the victim had been subjected to prolonged abuse and coercion during her captivity.
The investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the unidentified female suspect and any other potential victims who may have been affected by the duo’s criminal activities.
Suspect Arrest and Charges
Govantes has been booked at the West Valley Detention Center and faces multiple serious felony charges, including:
- Kidnapping
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated mayhem
Authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate the unidentified female suspect and prevent further crimes. The sheriff’s department has released Govantes’ mugshot to assist the public in providing any information about the case.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety Measures
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department emphasized the critical role of community reporting in solving crimes, noting that timely tips helped rescue the victim safely. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity and assist law enforcement in identifying potential threats.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous may use the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.
Broader Context
Kidnapping and cross-state criminal activity represent significant challenges for law enforcement due to jurisdictional complexities and the mobility of suspects.
Agencies often collaborate across county and state lines to track suspects, secure victims, and gather evidence. This case underscores the importance of coordinated responses among local, state, and federal authorities to ensure timely rescues and accountability.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department praised deputies for their swift action and investigative diligence, which led to the victim’s safe recovery without further harm.
The department also stressed the importance of educating the public about fraudulent identification documents and other tools commonly used by criminals in interstate crimes.
Final Word
The successful rescue of the North Carolina woman highlights the vital importance of community vigilance, inter-agency cooperation, and timely law enforcement response in cases of kidnapping and cross-state criminal activity. Authorities continue to pursue the investigation to identify the second suspect and prevent further crimes.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and follow updates from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Readers can share tips, local insights, or experiences related to public safety on hamiltonpawprint.com.
