Morgan Hill kidnapping suspect in court May 17

The man who allegedly attacked and kidnapped his girlfriend from a Morgan Hill bar will be in court to attempt to negotiate a settlement with the court next month. 

Christopher Franco, 21 of Morgan Hill, will appear with his attorney and prosecutors at South County Courthouse May 17 for a felony advanced resolution proceeding, according to South Santa Clara County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Steve Lowney. 

Morgan Hill police arrested Franco Jan. 22 after witnesses said he entered the M & H Tavern and kidnapped his girlfriend. Franco entered the bar at 17365 Monterey Road and approached a woman who was sitting at a table with a group of other customers.

Franco grabbed the woman by the neck and dragged her outside through the bar’s rear door, police said. Once they were outside, the suspect 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, police said. That information led police to a Morgan Hill residence where they found the suspect and the victim, who were in a dating relationship at the time of the attack.

The victim was unconscious in a bedroom, bleeding from her nose, police 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.

Franco was charged with kidnapping, domestic abuse causing great bodily harm, and making terrorist threats, according to authorities. 

He posted $75,000 bail shortly after he was arrested. 

Franco is a validated Norteño street gang member, and has been arrested on previous unrelated suspicions of trespassing, vandalism, petty theft and a probation violation, according to Morgan Hill police.