Handyman Kidnapped in Morgan Hill, Suspects Arrested

A man and woman were arrested in San Jose in connection with kidnapping and assaulting a repairman at a residence in unincorporated Santa Clara County, just north of Morgan Hill, on Monday.

A report of a kidnapping and assault was received at 6:51 p.m. Monday from the 50-year-old male victim, who had managed to escape his captors at a San Jose gas station.

San Jose police responded to the gas station where the victim had escaped his captors and detained two suspects. Police handed the investigation over to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office since the  kidnapping occured outside police jurisdiction.

Sheriff's deputies arrested Jason DeJesus, 36, and Chanelle Troedson, 33, both of Morgan Hill, on suspicion of false imprisonment, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and conspiracy.

The victim told deputies he had initially performed handyman services for a relative of one of the suspects two months ago, but was not paid in full for his work, resulting in a dispute for services rendered, deputies said.

The victim said the suspects lured the victim to their residence in the 200 block of Caldwell Court, just north of Morgan Hill, at about 10:45 a.m. Monday to do repair work. 

Upon arrival at the residence, the victim was assaulted, held against his will and threatened with his life for several hours, deputies said.

The suspects also forced the victim to perform repairs at their residence, deputies said.

The victim was still at the residence on Caldwell Way at 5:30 p.m. when the suspects forced the victim into the victim's truck. The suspects told him they were driving him to their relative's home in Santa Clara where he would be made to finish the repair work that he began two months ago.

On the way to the home of the suspect's relative, the suspects stopped at the Chevron gas station at the intersection of Santa Teresa Boulevard and Cottle Road in San Jose to purchase gas.

The two suspects exited the vehicle to purchase gas and food, warning the victim not to leave the vehicle. 

The victim exited the vehicle and managed to escape on foot, according to deputies.

The victim ran to a nearby residence to report the incident, deputies said.

San Jose police responded to the area, located the suspects near  the gas station and took them into custody.

Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies arrived on scene and  arrested the suspects.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact 
sheriff's deputies at 408-808-4500 or anonymously at 408-808-4431.

—Reporting by Bay City News