Woman Fends Off Kidnap Attempt at Hilltop Drive Gas Station

Originally published 3:06 p.m. July 25.

Video captured at a Chula Vista convenience store shows a woman fighting off an attack that authorities determined was a kidnapping attempt. 

10News.com featured the footage, which shows the victim, 29, being accosted as she was pumping gas at a Hilltop Drive 7-Eleven earlier this month.

Investigators said Thomas Paciornik complimented the woman, then suggested she join him at home. She refused and he attacked her, deliberately rear-ending her car and trying to block her escape.

He then approached her again, Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge told the station, bending to her window.

“He actually leans in, kisses her on the lips,” Wedge said. “At one point, he reaches into the car, grabs her by the hand and tries to pull her out.”

Witnesses came to the woman's aid and the suspect fled. Police caught up to Paciornik the next day, July 15, when he was arrested at Viejas Casino after an argument with an employee.

He is charged with assault with the intent to commit rape and attempted kidnapping and was being held on bail of $200,000.

A court date is set for July 29.