Accused Valentine's kidnapper arraigned

New London, Conn. (WTNH) - A man accused of abducting his estranged wife at gunpoint on Valentine's Day was arraigned in a New London court Tuesday.

The prosecutor calls it a classic case in which the defendant, Percy Lobaton, 33, wasn't going to stop until he killed his soon to be ex-wife and mother of his child.

"The victim told the police that this defendant said he was going to kill her and then kill himself," prosecutor Peter McShane said.

Police say the life threatening Valentine's Day ordeal began when the victim agreed to meet Lobaton Sunday morning. Police say that's when he forced his way into her car at the corner of Broad Street and Jefferson Avenue armed with a gun. He then drove them onto I-95 heading south.

According to police the victim was able to get the gun away from the accused who was driving the car. She then threw that gun out the window onto the highway. A short time later they stopped at a rest area in Milford. She was able to run into the women's room and get help.

Two women in the rest room called the victim's family and police after Lobaton came in and tried to grab the victim again. Police later recovered what turned out to be a pellet gun.

Back on Broad Street police also recovered a bag from Lobaton's car which contained duct tape, rope, a plastic bag, and earplugs.

"The only reason this is not a homicide is for the actions, on the actions of the victim who obviously saved her life," McShane said.

The state says this is the third time Lobaton has violated a restraining order.

Lobaton's public defender questioned whether or not the victim was with him voluntarily.