Police rescue woman found bloody, tied up on bridge

NEWPORT, Ore. — A man was charged with kidnapping and assault after police rescued a woman whom they found bloody and tied up yelling for help from a bridge.

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The Newport Police Department said in a news release that an officer was at the Yaquina Bay Bridge late Friday night for a report of construction materials in the roadway. While clearing the road, the officer heard someone yelling for help. The officer found the victim, and “observed they had blood all over their face and head, a laceration to the back of the head, and their hands were tied tightly behind their back.”

The victim told police that she had been with the man who attacked her off the main path in Yaquina Bay State Park when he suddenly hit her in the head with a weapon and tackled her to the ground. The victim told police she was “hog tied” using rope and shoelaces, and the suspect then left with all of the victim’s belongings.

Police identified the suspect as Thomas Brannies, and began searching for him and his vehicle, KATU reported.

Just after 3 a.m., police found Brannies’ car, and said that inside the vehicle were items stolen from the victim, KOIN reported.

Brannies was arrested on multiple charges, including assault, kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon, KPTV reported.

Police said Brannies had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for assault. Brannies was taken to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was held on $500,000 bail, according to online records.

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