LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A Las Vegas man told his kidnapping victim he was going to be on the news before taking her on a police chase in a box truck, eventually crashing with another vehicle, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.
Michael Kopietz faces seven felony charges in connection with the kidnapping, chase and eventual crash. According to police, the incident began at 4530 E. Charleston near a swap meet, where the suspect and victim had reportedly been living out of a box truck.
Police said the couple, who had been dating for 8 months, entered the swap meet and were told to leave by an employee. This angered Kopietz, according to the report, and led to him punching the victim multiple times with a closed fist. The victim told police that Kopietz was often angry and this was him “disciplining” her, the arrest report said.
Kopietz then reportedly ordered the woman into the vehicle, saying, “You really did it this time. I’m going to be on the news,” an arrest report said.
As police were responding to the area, an officer saw the box truck in question pulled over in a parking lot and police initiated a traffic stop, telling Kopietz to exit the vehicle. He refused, instead leading police on a chase.
LVMPD said Kopietz was driving 25-50 mph at various times, sometimes running red lights and swerving into oncoming traffic.
Eventually, police said Kopietz crashed into another vehicle and hit a brick wall. Kopietz then tried to run away, but was eventually caught by police.
As police searched the box truck, they reportedly found a Louis Vuitton bag with approximately 540 grams of methamphetamine inside.
Kopietz is a known felon, according to LVMPD, with previous convictions in Utah and Nevada. In Nevada, Kopietz was convicted twice of grand larceny auto. Police and court records also show that Kopietz had an outstanding felony domestic violence warrant when he was taken into custody.
Kopietz didn’t do an interview with police, instead requesting a lawyer.
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