A Morgan Hill man was arrested after a brazen domestic violence assault and kidnapping that took place at a downtown bar, police said.
Police responded to the M & H Tavern, 17365 Monterey Road, about 11:45 p.m. Sunday after someone called to report a kidnapping, according to Morgan Hill Police Sgt. Troy Hoefling.
Several witnesses described the attack, and said a male suspect entered the rear door of the bar and approached a female who was sitting at a table with a group of other customers.
The man allegedly grabbed the woman by the neck and dragged her outside through the rear door, police said. Once they were outside, the man punched the woman in the face and pulled her into a vehicle that was waiting for him.
The vehicle fled the scene, police said.
Officers were able to get a description of the suspect and the name of the victim, who left her ID card at the bar, Hoefling said. That information led police to a Morgan Hill residence where they found the suspect and the victim, who are in a dating relationship.
The victim was unconscious in a bedroom, bleeding from her nose, Hoefling said. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance and treated for a broken nose.
The suspect was later identified by witnesses, police said. The suspect, Christopher Franco, 21 of Morgan Hill, was booked at Santa Clara County jail on suspicion of felony domestic violence, kidnapping and inflicting great bodily harm during the commission of a felony.
The case is still under investigation, Hoefling said. Anyone with information about the incident can call Morgan Hill Police Detective Luis Espejo at 408-779-2101, or the anonymous tip line at 408-947-7867.
