MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A woman’s quick thinking led to her rescue from a purported kidnapping on May 29 when she discreetly dialed 911 from the back seat of a moving car. Her actions resulted in law enforcement stopping the vehicle and arresting a man accused of threatening her life and safety.
The incident reportedly unfolded as 22-year-old Angelo Liberto, of Franklin, allegedly attempted to abduct the woman under the pretense of a planned outing. Authorities stated that Liberto had lured her with an invitation that included gifts and a trip to a lake house hours away from Milwaukee. Charged with several counts, including attempted sexual assault and kidnapping, Liberto has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered a revolver, a knife, handcuffs, and various tools in the car.
According to the criminal complaint, the woman’s plight began as Liberto drove north toward the supposed lake destination. Despite her phone being set to airplane mode initially, she persisted in trying to reach help while handcuffed. Ultimately, she was able to connect with 911, while also attempting to contact friends and family. During this time, Liberto’s conversation oscillated between expressions of affection and accusations of infidelity, escalating tensions within the vehicle. He reportedly admitted to planning to commit sexual violence against her, stating on one occasion, “We are at the point of no return.”
Emergency information from the 911 call assisted deputies in locating the vehicle, although there are conflicting reports regarding the exact timing of events following the call. One deputy spotted the car shortly after 11 p.m. on Interstate 41, initiating a traffic stop that led to the woman’s safe release and Liberto’s arrest. The complaint notes that deputies found several weapons and items in plain sight, leading to further investigation.
The confrontation reportedly began even before they hit the freeway. The woman had planned to meet Liberto at a bar after work, but after sitting in the passenger seat, he directed her to move to the back, claiming a surprise awaited her. Soon after, he allegedly threatened her with a gun, demanding her phone. When she resisted, Liberto claimed the weapon was not loaded. However, police have not confirmed whether the gun contained ammunition at the time of recovery.
Details from the complaint indicate that Liberto was recently involved in a history of unwanted advances. The woman informed detectives that their relationship, which began through mutual friends, had been complicated by his insistence on a romantic connection despite her clear boundaries. Just days prior to the incident, Liberto had shown up unexpectedly at her home, violating her stated limits.
While driving, Liberto reportedly expressed intentions of holding her for several days and made ominous threats about harming her if needed. He urged her to consider the potential consequences of his actions, suggesting that those who commit terrible acts sometimes take drastic measures to avoid being caught. The particulars surrounding the lake house destination and its ownership remain unclear.
Liberto was taken into custody and has since faced serious charges, including attempted sexual assault and kidnapping—with the added dimension of dangerous weapon use. If convicted, he could face decades in prison. During early court proceedings, the issue of bond became contentious, reflecting the gravity of the allegations. Initially set at $200,000, the bond was raised to $2 million due to claims from a fellow inmate alleging Liberto threatened further harm to the woman if released.
The woman’s identity remains confidential, a common practice in sexual violence cases. Reports indicate that while there were no severe physical injuries, the experience involved significant psychological trauma and fear. Key evidence in the case is expected to include her testimony, the 911 call, and various items recovered from the vehicle.
As the case unfolds in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Liberto maintains his innocence. The next steps in this legal battle will involve the exchange of evidence and the establishment of a trial date, with potential courtroom battles over the admissibility of certain pieces of evidence and witness testimonies.