A swift and coordinated response by Colonie Police and Schenectady Police led to the dramatic rescue of a woman being held against her will inside a Motel 6 on Curry Road Wednesday evening.
Authorities said that around 6:12 p.m. on October 29, officers responded to the motel after Schenectady Police requested assistance in locating a woman whose family had reported her missing and feared for her safety. Relatives had become alarmed after seeing a disturbing post on social media and being unable to reach her for several hours.
Investigators from both departments determined that the woman was inside a motel room with a suspect later identified as Rafael E. Gonzalez, 34, of Schenectady. Due to the volatile circumstances, Colonie Police activated their Special Services Team, which entered the room and safely detained Gonzalez without further incident.
During the arrest, Gonzalez was found to be in possession of brass knuckles, police said. The investigation revealed that he had physically assaulted and restrained the victim multiple times, preventing her from leaving the room.
The victim, whose name is being withheld for her safety, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and later released. Police say she is expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities commended the joint efforts of Colonie Police, Schenectady Police, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, as well as the Motel 6 staff for their cooperation during the operation.
Gonzalez has been charged with several felonies, including:
Kidnapping in the 2nd Degree
Assault in the 2nd Degree
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree
Unlawful Imprisonment in the 1st Degree
Tampering with Physical Evidence
He was arraigned in Colonie Town Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility, where he awaits further court proceedings.
Officials praised the swift interagency cooperation that prevented further harm to the victim. “This case demonstrates the power of communication and teamwork between agencies — and the importance of responding quickly when a person’s safety is at risk,” the Colonie Police Department said in a statement.