Manhunt launched for Monterey County kidnap suspect

MONTEREY, Calif. (BCN) -- Sheriff's deputies were searching Wednesday for a man suspected of kidnapping a woman in Monterey County.

A Monterey County sheriff's deputy at 11:45 p.m. Monday came across a vehicle idling in a rural area of Monterey County and saw a man in the driver's seat and a woman passenger in the vehicle.

The vehicle drove off and a high-speed pursuit ensued, deputies said.

The pursuit was called off for safety reasons after the fleeing vehicle reached speeds faster than 120 mph.

Deputies located the vehicle a short time later with the woman still inside.

Investigators determined the woman had been kidnapped by the suspect, later identified as Hugo Oviedo Sanchez, 26, and driven around in her vehicle for nearly two hours.

Sanchez repeatedly hit the victim in the face and arms during the incident.

Deputies also said Sanchez has a suspended driver's license and a restraining order preventing contact with the victim.

The victim suffered bruising to her face, arms and legs during the incident.

Sanchez remained at large as of Wednesday morning. He is described as a Hispanic man about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds with brown eyes and hair.

Anyone with information on Sanchez's whereabouts is asked to call the Monterey County Sheriff's Office at (831) 755-3722.