A Durango man has been arrested on suspicion of assault, kidnapping and domestic violence for allegedly choking his ex-wife and taking her for a drive against her will, according to court records.
Randal Wade Wilcox, 31, was released Tuesday from the La Plata County Jail on $10,000 bail.
Wilcox’s ex-wife called police shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday after locking herself in a car to prevent further harm, according to an arrest affidavit.
The woman told police she was asleep in her apartment in the 800 block of Goeglein Gulch Road when she suddenly awoke struggling to breathe, “seeing stars” and seeing Wilcox standing over her, according to the affidavit.
The woman, who has a protective restraining order against Wilcox, said she was confused about what was happening and began screaming.
Wilcox told the woman she was being too loud and strangled her, according to the affidavit. The woman said she started to black out, but Wilcox let go when their son walked into the room.
The woman said she left the apartment and sat on a grass hill in front of the apartment complex. She then saw Wilcox driving her vehicle with their children in the car. Wilcox pulled up to the woman and told her to get into the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
She said “no,” so he got out of the vehicle, picked her up and put her in the front seat of the car and drove downtown, according to the affidavit.
The woman attempted to get out of the vehicle, but Wilcox allegedly punched her with his right hand. He then grabbed her neck and squeezed, causing her to almost lose consciousness, she told police.
When the vehicle finally stopped at a stop sign or a red light, the woman said she was able to open the door and get out. But Wilcox caught her before she could escape and again placed her into the vehicle with the children, according to the affidavit.
He then drove back to the apartment, got out of the vehicle with the children, and that’s when the woman locked the doors and called police, she said.
Police were able to find Wilcox walking in the 600 block of Goeglein Gulch Road.
Formal filing of charges is scheduled for Dec. 1 in 6th Judicial District Court.
shane@durangoherald.com
