SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA —

A man authorities identify as Brian Anthony Williams was arrested in San Diego, California, after nearly 14 years as a fugitive

in connection with a

2012 kidnapping in Iowa.

Authorities allege that Williams had been living under the name Troy Williams and working as a chef at Miss B’s Coconut Club in the Mission Beach area of San Diego.

Reports indicate that he had worked at the restaurant for approximately a decade and had become its head chef.

The 2012 Iowa case

According to law enforcement information cited in media reports, the underlying case originated in Davenport, Iowa, in October 2012.

Investigators say that a woman was kidnapped, assaulted, and shot before being left in a field.

Williams was subsequently charged in connection with the case.

Reported charges include first-degree kidnapping, assault causing serious injury, conspiracy to commit a

felony, and first-degree arson.

Reporting also describes a federal charge related to fleeing prosecution.

How investigators reportedly located him

Authorities reportedly received information that Williams might be living in San Diego under another identity.

Investigators followed leads connected to local media appearances featuring a chef known as Troy Williams.

October 6, 2026, U.S. Marshals arrested him at the San Diego restaurant.

The arrest brought renewed attention to a case that had remained unresolved for years.

Williams is being held in San Diego while awaiting extradition to Iowa to face the outstanding charges.