A southern California volunteer narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt after being lured into a trap by a scammer posing as a holiday toy donor. Erin Quinn, who was volunteering for a local toy drive, said the terrifying attack has left her shaken and fearful.
Quinn received a message from someone claiming to be an elderly donor named “Connie.” When she arrived to pick up the supposed donation, a woman ambushed her inside her car, using a Taser to force her to drive.
During the 25-minute ordeal, Quinn was shocked nearly 30 times. After crashing her car in an attempt to escape, she fought back, biting off part of the attacker’s finger in self-defense.
“I didn’t know what else to do,” Quinn said. “I was terrified, and I fought with everything I had.”
Quinn recognized her assailant as her former housekeeper, Olga Mendez, who had disguised herself with a blonde wig. She suspects the attacker planned to take her to Mexico for ransom or human trafficking.
A bystander stepped in to help, enabling Quinn to escape. However, she criticized others nearby who filmed the attack but failed to intervene.
Police are investigating the incident but have not made any arrests. Quinn remains hopeful that justice will be served.
