Fugitive wanted in 2012 kidnapping arrested after 14 years living double life as San Diego chef
Brian Anthony Williams, wanted in a 2012 Iowa kidnapping case, was arrested in San Diego after allegedly living under an alias as a popular local chef for nearly 14 years.
A man wanted in connection with a violent 2012 kidnapping case has finally been arrested after nearly 14 years on the run — and authorities say he was hiding in plain sight as a restaurant head chef in California.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, 50-year-old Brian Anthony Williams was arrested on October 6, 2026, in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood. Investigators say he had been living under the assumed name “Troy Williams” while working as a chef at Miss B’s Coconut Club.
But how did authorities finally track him down?
From Iowa fugitive to California chef
Williams was charged in Scott County, Iowa, in October 2012 over his alleged role in a disturbing incident involving a woman who authorities say was kidnapped, assaulted and shot before being abandoned in a field near Davenport.
The charges included first-degree kidnapping, assault causing serious injury, conspiracy to commit a felony and first-degree arson. In 2013, Williams was also charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
For years, he remained a fugitive while building a life thousands of miles away from the case that authorities were still pursuing.
According to federal investigators, information developed in September 2026 pointed them toward San Diego. Investigators reportedly connected Williams to local media appearances and publications featuring him under the name Troy Williams.
On October 6, U.S. Marshals located him inside a business in Mission Beach and took him into custody without incident.
The double life comes to an end
The arrest reportedly shocked coworkers who had known him for years under his assumed identity.
Williams remains in custody in California while awaiting extradition to Iowa, where he is expected to face the outstanding charges.
This case is a reminder that even after years on the run, investigators can continue pursuing fugitives and following new leads.
RawNews1st will continue following major crime stories as more verified information becomes available.
