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Suspect arrested in Realtor abduction (California)

By
Real Estate Agent with Innovative Realty Solutions Group BK3158345

This is a follow up to the article about the California Realtor that was held hostage. 

 

Suspect arrested in Calif. agent abduction case

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Jan. 13, 2015 – Police have arrested a man in connection with the kidnapping of an Elk Grove, Calif., real estate agent at gunpoint at a model home late last week.

David Burnhart, 47, a registered sex offender, was arrested Friday and will likely face charges of robbery, burglary, kidnapping, false imprisonment and illegal possession of a firearm, says Elk Grove Police spokesman Chris Trim.

The female real estate agent told police that she had an appointment to meet a man interested in viewing a model home property last Thursday. Shortly after she arrived, she claims the man threatened her at gunpoint, handcuffed her and held her captive in the home for about an hour.

The man told the agent that they were going to leave the home together, and he removed her handcuffs. As they walked out the door, the agent was able to slam the door behind the man and lock the door, according to police reports.

The man drove off in a truck. The real estate agent said she flagged down a security officer for help.

The incident is a reminder of the dangers that lurk for real estate professionals, says Paula Swayne with the Sacramento Association of Realtors®. Late last year, an Arkansas real estate agent was kidnapped and murdered while showing a home to a potential buyer.

"If something feels wrong, listen," Swayne says. "It's not worth your life to go do something because you're going to earn a commission."

Source: "Real Estate Agent Slammed Door on Registered Sex Offender, Suspect Arrested," CBS Sacramento (Jan. 9, 2015) and "Arrest Made in Elk Grove Real Estate Agent's Kidnapping," ABC News 10/KXTV (Sacramento) (Jan. 9, 2015)

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Smart thinking on her part.  Folks, be safe out there!

 

Bill Kennedy
Keller Williams Greenville Upstate - Greenville, SC
Homes For Sale Greenville SC

Realtor safety is more important now than ever! Glad that she is safe!

Jan 13, 2015 06:34 AM
Dee Toohey
Innovative Realty Solutions Group - Longwood, FL
Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro

Yes.  I carry a flashlight/strobe/stun gun with me.  I never meet someone I don't know in advance alone. 

Jan 13, 2015 06:48 AM
Jeff Jensen
The Federal Savings Bank/Lending in 50 states - Greenwich, CT

Since the recent killing there have been many safety articles and classes.

Jan 13, 2015 07:20 AM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

It is a shame we as Realtor's have to worry about this I'm glad she was able to get away and get help. We do need to pay attention to our instincts if something feels wrong it usually is.

Jan 13, 2015 08:37 AM
Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

so glad she was on the ball and had a plan along with quick thinking!

Jan 13, 2015 08:43 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I still have no idea why listing agents jump at the drop of a caller.  Good grief. 

Jan 13, 2015 11:53 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Dee - This is great news, I am very happy the suspect arrested. We all should be cautious when showing property.

Jan 13, 2015 01:04 PM
Dee Toohey
Innovative Realty Solutions Group - Longwood, FL
Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro

Carla, I agree but in this case, the agent was on her job site.  She worked for a builder in a model home.  People come and go at model homes all the time. 

I am glad she had the forsight and ability to get away. 

John, Mark and Pat, yes, we all need to be cautious. 

Jeff, the safety classes have always been around but now people are actually paying more attention to them.

There are good apps for showings.  Hopefully, you all work in offices with a safety plan.

 

Jan 13, 2015 09:06 PM