Car salesman kidnapped during auto theft

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- Police are searching for a man who briefly kidnapped a car sales associate when stealing a vehicle off a lot in Ventura on Thursday.

The car sales associate was assisting the suspect at the Ventura Toyota dealership on Auto Center Drive around 5 p.m.

The suspect wanted to test-drive one of the vehicles. When the associate returned with the keys, the suspect took them away from him and simulated that he had a weapon in his waistband. The suspect then ordered the victim into the car and drove away from the dealership.

The suspect let the victim out of the vehicle around Victoria Avenue and Gonzalez Road, and then continued westbound towards Harbor Boulevard. The victim was not injured.

The stolen vehicle is a Gray 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid with California license plate 6FRH988.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, between 25 and 45 years old, and with a short, stocky build.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ventura Police Department at 805-339-4400.

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robbery, kidnap, ventura county news

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