Woman crashes car into building to escape abusive boyfriend, deputies say

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Whatcom County sheriff deputies say a woman intentionally crashed her car into a building to escape her new boyfriend who had kidnapped her and threatened further violence.

The Bellingham Herald reports the man had faced previous domestic violence charges in other states.

Whatcom County sheriff's deputies were alerted Wednesday morning that the couple had come into a local market and the woman, who appeared to have been beaten, mouthed the words, 'help me."

Deputy Doug Chadwick says they drove off and then five minutes later, a dark green Oldsmobile crashed into the wall of a gas station.

According to the sheriff's office, a woman jumped out of the driver's seat yelling, "He's going to kill me!" When deputies arrived, they found the man on the ground, surrounded by a group of citizens who had detained him.

The 21-year-old woman had injuries to her face and body.