Woman Escapes Abduction and Calls for Help from Gas Station Bathroom in Humboldt County

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. — A 35-year-old woman escaped a kidnapping early Thursday after hiding in a gas station bathroom and texting 911 for help, leading to the arrest of her alleged assailant, authorities said.

The incident unfolded in Humboldt County, where the woman was taken from her home against her will around 3 a.m. On April 23, 2026, according to a news release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, later identified as 46-year-old Timothy Richard Long, stopped for fuel at a gas station in Blue Lake, approximately 15 minutes from the location of the abduction. While there, the victim managed to slip into a restroom and send emergency texts to 911.

Emergency Response and Arrest

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center received the 911 call and multiple text messages from the woman just before 4 a.m., confirming she had been kidnapped and was hiding in the gas station bathroom. Deputies responded swiftly to the scene, where they detained Long and located the victim, who was unharmed.

Long was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, violation of a domestic violence court order, and violating probation, the sheriff’s office said. No further details about the relationship between the victim and Long were provided in the release.

How the Escape Unfolded

The sheriff’s office did not release the exact sequence of events leading to the woman’s abduction, but the news release confirmed she was taken from her home before being transported to the gas station. The victim’s decision to hide in the restroom and contact authorities proved critical in her escape, authorities said.

Gas stations and convenience stores have increasingly become sites of intervention in abduction cases, as victims use brief moments of opportunity—such as bathroom breaks or fuel stops—to call for help. In this case, the victim’s use of text messaging to 911 allowed her to communicate silently and avoid alerting her alleged kidnapper.

Legal and Community Response

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information about the investigation, including whether Long has entered a plea or if further charges are expected. The case remains active, and authorities urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.

Local advocates for domestic violence prevention praised the victim’s quick thinking and the sheriff’s office’s rapid response. “This case highlights the importance of having multiple ways to call for help, especially in situations where speaking aloud isn’t safe,” said a representative from a Humboldt County-based support organization, who was not directly involved in the case but spoke generally about such incidents.

Support Resources

For those affected by domestic violence or abduction, the following resources are available:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788
• Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office: Non-emergency line at (707) 445-7251
• Local shelters and advocacy groups: Contact information available through the sheriff’s office or local health services

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the case and has not released further details about Long’s criminal history or the circumstances surrounding the abduction. Updates will be provided as they become available.