Cops Search For Kidnapping Suspect

A Kissimmee River Estates woman was safe Thursday after reporting her ex-boyfriend kidnapped her, dragged her from her remote Highlands County home Wednesday night and then drove her into Okeechobee County.

Highlands County Sheriff's investigators have issued a "be on the lookout" for David Michael Yates, 40, of last known address, 2265 Cross Roads, Lucedale, Miss.

Sheriff's Lt. Tim Lethbridge reported that at 8:23 p.m. they received a 911 call from the victim that her ex-boyfriend was trying to break into her home. Then the telephone went dead.
Yates and the victim reportedly lived together for four years prior to a breakup about six months ago. He did not take the breakup very well, Lethbridge said.

"When the deputy arrived there were signs that the home had been broken into," Lethbridge said.

Deputies canvassed the neighborhood and learned that the victim drove a red pickup truck, but none of the neighbors heard or saw anything.

At about 9:30 p.m. a boyfriend of the victim's daughter reported he got a telephone call from the victim who asked him to check on her dog at her house. She would not answer any other questions and the line disconnected after about 10 seconds.

The victim's name and address were being withheld as the case falls under the domestic violence statutes because they once lived together as a family unit.

At about 10:35 p.m. Wednesday, the victim called the sheriff's office and reported what had happened and that she was safe.

"She stated Yates broke in," Lethbridge said. "He forced her into her own car and drove her into Okeechobee County."

Lethbridge would not confirm how the victim was able to get away from Yates. She reported that Yates held her at knife point.

"He held the knife under her chin and made threats to kill her," he said, but said she had not been cut. "She had some minor injuries from being dragged out to her car."

"She was able to go get help in her own vehicle," he said.

Lethbridge said he did not know how Yates got to the victim's home.

Sheriff's Central Records confirmed Thursday that Yates had a 2004 arrest for domestic violence battery involving the same victim.

When arrested his charges will include kidnapping, home invasion and carjacking.

Lethbridge agreed it would be best if Yates turned himself in.

"If anybody has any information as to where he is, we're asking them to call the Sheriff's Office.

The number to call is 863-402-7200.