Man Arrested for Kidnapping and Assaulting Woman in Oregon
In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as Negasi Zuberi has been arrested for allegedly posing as an undercover police officer, kidnapping a woman in Seattle, and subjecting her to brutal sexual assault before locking her in a cinder block cell in his home in Oregon. The arrest was made by state police in Reno, Nevada, where Zuberi attempted to flee but was apprehended the following day.
According to reports from the FBI, Zuberi, 29, is now facing federal interstate kidnapping charges. Furthermore, investigators believe that he may have committed similar acts of violence in at least four other states, sparking concerns about potential additional victims.
The victim, whose identity is being protected, managed to escape Zuberi’s home in Klamath Falls by breaking the door of her cell with her bare hands. Her determination and quick thinking are being hailed as potentially life-saving, as authorities believe her escape may have prevented other women from falling victim to a similar fate.
The criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Oregon reveals horrifying details of the incident. Zuberi allegedly solicited the woman for prostitution, masquerading as an undercover officer and showing her a badge before restraining her with handcuffs and leg irons. He then drove her to his home in Oregon, sexually assaulting her along the way, before confining her in a makeshift cinder block cell in his garage.
The victim, realizing the dire situation she was in, mustered the strength to punch the metal door incessantly until she created a hole, allowing her to escape. Covered in her own blood, she managed to grab Zuberi’s gun before fleeing and seeking help. A passing driver aided her in contacting the authorities.
Zuberi was subsequently traced to a Walmart parking lot in Reno, where he was found in his car holding one of his children. Initially resistant, he eventually surrendered to Nevada State Patrol officers without further incident. Fortunately, the child was unharmed.
Further investigations revealed disturbing evidence in Zuberi’s home, including the makeshift cell, the victim’s purse, and handwritten notes alluding to potential future crimes. One note, titled “Operation Take Over,” contained a bullet list with instructions such as leaving his phone behind and ensuring the victims had limited connections to others. Another document detailed plans for an underground structure using concrete blocks.
The FBI is urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Zuberi to come forward, indicating that he may have employed other methods, such as drugging victims’ drinks, to gain control. In response, the agency plans to set up a website specifically for potential victims to report their experiences.
Zuberi’s arrest sends shockwaves throughout the community, prompting concerns about the safety of individuals who may have encountered him in various states over the past few years. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may aid in their investigation.
The immediate focus now is to support the victim and identify any other potential survivors who may have endured similar ordeals at the hands of Zuberi. As the case unfolds, it serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in society and the importance of continuous vigilance and reporting suspicious activities.
Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.