According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the teen was able to escape from a locked vehicle belonging to Zackary Dourousseau last week while he was working at a Jack in the Box restaurant on Village Drive.
[Ads /]
Once she escaped, she ran to a local business, the Nut House, and employees there called authorities.
Investigators later arrested the 26-year-old at his home, where they say he had been keeping the girl captive since March 1. He's accused of giving her very little food and water, and making her drink large amounts of alcohol.
Authorities say he also forced her to have sex with him in exchange for her freedom.
[Ads /]
"It is my understanding that when she did consume the alcohol is when he sexually assaulted her," said Gloria Huerta, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Neighbor Mike Stilkey, who lives across the street from where the 17-year-old was allegedly held, says he saw the girl enter the home.
"She looked worn out," he said. "She was walking with her head down, her hair was a mess, dirty, her clothes were hanging on her."
Dourousseau was booked on charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and rape. He was released overnight Wednesday after he posted $30,000 bail.
It's unclear if he and the alleged victim knew each other.