A Texas woman was allegedly held hostage for days by an illegal migrant who barricaded her inside her own home—until she made a daring escape and ran for help.
The suspect, 37-year-old Luis Gerardo Perez-Santana, was arrested in Spring, Texas, after the woman broke free from a locked room and ran to a neighbor’s house, Citing a Montgomery County Constable’s Office report.
Perez-Santana is said to have entered the U.S. illegally from Cuba and had no legal immigration status at the time of his arrest. Authorities say he met the victim online just days before showing up at her home.
Once inside, things took a terrifying turn.
According to deputies, the woman was locked in a bedroom, her phone taken away, and threats were made against her family if she tried to escape. Officials say she was held against her will for at least four days. The situation only ended when Perez-Santana left the room unlocked and she seized the moment to flee.
Neighbors described the woman as panicked and visibly shaken when she knocked on their door. One local told the Post, “She looked like she had seen a ghost. You could tell something really bad had happened.”
Police responded immediately and arrested Perez-Santana, who was still inside the home. He now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated kidnapping and unlawful restraint.
Court documents reviewed by the Post reveal that Perez-Santana was also wanted in connection to other cases involving assault and had previously been deported.
Montgomery County officials said in a statement that the case has been referred to federal immigration authorities.
Perez-Santana is currently being held without bond. A court date has not yet been set.
The woman, who has not been publicly identified, is safe and recovering with the support of family, according to law enforcement.