Alleged kidnapping thwarted after victim slips SOS note in Cedar City

A 53-year-old man, Epigmenio Bustillos Marquez, was arrested in Utah after his alleged kidnapping attempt was thwarted by the victim slipping a note to a bystander at a gas station. The incident occurred at the Cedar Band Travel Plaza, where the woman informed the witness she was in trouble and needed help, prompting the bystander to follow Marquez's vehicle and call 911. Police intercepted the vehicle on Interstate 15, where the victim appeared distressed and was behaving unusually. She revealed to officers that she and Marquez had been in a long-term relationship, but his behavior had recently become erratic, including accusations of infidelity and threats to her safety. Marquez allegedly took her phone to prevent her from contacting anyone and physically struck her during the ordeal. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and providing false identification, and is being held without bail pending a pretrial hearing.