Deputies track down domestic violence suspect

A man was arrested on Monday after witnesses called police to report a woman had been kidnapped.

Around 4 p.m., deputies from the Thermal Station and the Coachella Police Department were called to Lunaria Court and Miravilla Way in Mecca. Witnesses said a Hispanic man forced a female to leave with him on foot.

They were spotted walking southbound through the desert, just south of the neighborhood.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter was brought in to help search for the suspect. Deputies spotted the man running south towards the apartments on Lincoln Street and 7th Street.

Officials said they caught up to him at a residence on Coahuilla Street after a lengthy foot pursuit.

Luis Venegas, a 27 year old resident of Mecca, was arrested for felony domestic battery. Deputies said Venegas and the victim used to date each other.

Venegas was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio.