Who is Matthew Darnell? Terrifying video shows man with 'Chevrolet' tattoo trying to abduct bikini-clad barista
AUBURN, WASHINGTON: A truck driver who attempted to kidnap a bikini-clad barista on Tuesday, January 17 was apprehended 14 hours after police published terrifying surveillance footage of the attempted kidnapping. The victim claimed she did not identify her would-be kidnapper. The scary scenario at Auburn, Washington's drive-thru Beankini Espresso, a female-owned coffee shop where the baristas serve in lingerie and bikinis, was captured on nine seconds of CCTV footage taken at 5.06 am on Monday, January 16.
The suspect can be seen using a looped, zip-tie-like object to try and yank the unidentified barista out of the window in the video. The assailant drove off after failing to abduct the woman after the victim successfully fought him off. Police in the suburb of Seattle posted a video of the incident in the hope that a citizen could help them find the man. A suspect, identified as Matthew Darnell on Wednesday, was arrested at his Auburn home less than 14 hours after the abduction attempt.
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The barista, who has spent nine years working at the drive-thru coffee shop, claimed on Wednesday that trucker Darnell, who was operating a Chevrolet Silverado, inexplicably chose to target her. The victim, who requested anonymity, told DailyMail that the crime was a "totally random act" shortly after hearing of Darnell's arrest. She claimed to be shaken by the experience but expressed gratitude that the female-owned business puts staff safety first by revealing that the store, which opens at 4.30 am, is outfitted with a quiet panic button, metal doors, and security cameras. The victim also said that staff members are also permitted to possess tasers and mace for this reason.
Terrifying video shows a man trying to kidnap a bikini barista in Auburn, WA, right outside Seattle Monday morning.
— Dakarai Turner (@Dakarai_Turner) January 18, 2023
Police said they arrested the man responsible. https://t.co/A4pTueRERm pic.twitter.com/OkvEJZVepc
Who is Matthew Darnell?
As per reports, the mass surveillance led cops to Darnell after detectives got a good look at the individual they were looking for in the short video. A recognizable tattoo saying "Chevrolet" can be seen on the man's arm when he pulls up to the window to pay and retrieve his change in the video. Investigators were able to follow up on the tip, and on Tuesday they located the man they think is the Silverado's driver.
In addition to his obvious tattoo, the guy was observed gripping the victim's arm and attempting to drag her out the window while carrying a coiled zip tie in one hand. However, the barista resisted and thankfully managed to release herself. Dollar notes that the employee had been handing him were left on the ground as the man was compelled to leave quickly.
The barista claimed that on Monday morning when the incident took place, the would-be kidnapper placed an order for a drink, paid for it, and then asked for change on a $5 bill. He allegedly grabbed the victim when she turned around to hand him the five one-dollar bills. She claimed to DailyMail that neither she nor her coworkers had ever seen him before.
Police in Auburn, Alabama, detained Darnell on Tuesday after the coffee shop workers later identified him. Pictures from Darnell's first court appearance in King's County on Wednesday show the moment the judge decided there was enough evidence to hold the suspect on one felony count of attempted second-degree kidnapping. Police and public records have revealed that Darnell's bail has been set at $500,000 as he is now detained in the King County Correctional Facility awaiting trial.