22 January 2023 , 12:39
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A man has been charged with trying to kidnap a barista after he was caught on CCTV dragging a woman out of a drive-thru window.
Matthew Darnell, 38, allegedly tried to kidnap the worker at Beankini Espresso Auburn in Washington, US, on January 16 at around 5am.
The suspect has been charged with second-degree kidnapping after CCTV captured the moment he tried to put a zip tie over the barista's head and pull her through the window.
He then tried to pull the woman into his truck while she was handing him his change.
She managed to pull away from him, quickly close the window and immediately called police, according to court documents.
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The alarming CCTV was released by police as they attempted to identify the man using his "Chevrolet" tattoo on his arm.
Matthew Darnell has been charged with second-degree kidnapping (Auburn Police Department)Police were able to track his car using CCTV videos and capture Darnell using his tattoo.
Prosecutors allege Darnell "carefully chose" the barista as she was working along at the time of the incident and was at least 200 pounds lighter than him.
Police are still trying to figure out the motive behind the alleged kidnaping.
The coffee shop worker managed to escape and call 911 (Auburn Police Department)The Beakini Espresso shop is female-owned and has baristas dressed in bikinis serving coffee - with the shop fitted with a silent panic button, metal doors and CCTV cameras.
Staff are also allowed to have mace and tasers.
The owner of the coffee shop told KOMO News her entire staff is shaken up following the terrifying incident.
Auburn Police Department spokesperson Kolby Crossley said: "They are in vulnerable positions because they’re usually controlling those spots by themselves at early hours in the morning when it’s dark outside.
"But this barista did an awesome job of protecting herself and fighting this person off."
Authorities found the zip tie loop which was allegedly used to try and kidnap the woman (Auburn Police Department)Police visited Darnell's home on January 17 where he later confessed he wanted to turn himself in.
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Authorities searched the suspect's car and found the zip tie loop which was allegedly used to try and kidnap the woman.
Police arrested him later that day.
The next day cops returned to his home after they secured a search warrant and discovered a bundle of zip ties in his bedroom.
Darnell's bail has been set at $500,000 (£403,000) and he has been banned from contacting the woman or going to the coffee shop.