Brian Anthony Williams, a 50-year-old chef, appeared before a judge Monday after was he arrested outside a Mission Beach restaurant by U.S. Marshals last week.
In San Diego, Williams was going by the name “Troy” and worked as the head chef at Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach for over a decade. During his court appearance, Williams confirmed his identity as Brian.
Authorities said Williams was wanted in Scott County, Iowa, in connection with a 2012 case involving allegations of kidnapping, assault, shooting and arson.
Investigators allege Williams and three other men staged a kidnapping, assault and shooting of his reported girlfriend, Brittany Hamilton, because he wanted to end their relationship.
Police said Williams and Hamilton were living together when they were both duct taped and taken to a field. Hamilton was shot in the leg and left in a ditch, while Williams walked to a local truck stop to report what happened, according to a news article from Iowa at the time.
The same Iowa article said Williams and the other men then set fire to the home of Hamilton’s new boyfriend and that no one was injured.
After the 2012 case, authorities said Williams left Iowa and remained on the run for 14 years.
Eddie Jurado, who runs the restaurant and once lived with Williams, said the arrest came as a shock to those who knew him.
“We don’t know who he was. Like who is he? He was a good guy here. Loved by everybody,” said Jurado.
Jurado said he was also concerned about the restaurant’s staff.
Authorities are now working to return him to Iowa, where the alleged crimes took place. Williams faces multiple charges, including unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree arson.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.