Lakewood man accused of human trafficking, forcing woman into car at gunpoint in Bellingham
A man who was arrested Tuesday in Snohomish County — and is accused of forcing a woman at gunpoint to travel with him from Bellingham to Tacoma — faces potential charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
Washington State Patrol, acting on a tip, conducted a May 14 traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Mekyhi Emilio Stephan Flores, 25, near the Skagit-Snohomish county line, according to Lt. Claudia Murphy with the Bellingham Police Department.
Authorities said there were three women in the vehicle with Flores, including one who later told investigators Flores had pointed a handgun at her head and forced her into the vehicle on East Kellogg Road in Bellingham. She said he continued to threaten her while he was driving.
The other two women were released after being interviewed by police officers.
Both Flores and the third woman are from Lakewood near Tacoma. She said she was able to text for help and lead authorities to the vehicle.
Authorities say Flores had a woman in the passenger seat put a gun in the glove box when he was pulled over. Troopers found the gun and the woman’s state ID during a search of the vehicle.
Flores was arrested on suspicion of first-degree human trafficking, first-degree kidnapping and felony harassment. He was taken back to Bellingham and booked into Whatcom County Jail, where he remains in custody with an appearance bond of $50,000.
Murphy said police suspect Flores forced the woman into prostitution and kept all the money so she would remain dependent on him.
Flores controlled the victim through threats and by force, and allegedly has assaulted the victim in the past for “trying to leave him,” according to Murphy. Flores was known to always carry a firearm, and he held onto the woman’s state ID card.
When it became clear the victim wanted to leave Flores, he forced her into a vehicle and started driving south, Murphy said.
Resources
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is confidential, toll-free and available 24/7 in more than 200 languages.
Call: 1-888-373-7888
Text: “BeFree” (233733)
Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 360-715-1563
WWU CASAS: 360-650-3700
Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616
