ATLANTA (SH) — A Georgia restaurant owner accused of kidnapping and raping one of his employees is behind bars, police say.
Daniel Barrios Catalan, 46, was arrested on charges of kidnapping and rape in the March 1 incident in Winder, the city’s police department said in a March 26 news release.
Investigators said Catalan, a co-owner and manager at the Latin Flavors restaurant, provided alcohol to an 18-year-old employee after her shift that day. He then took her to a private area of the eatery and drove her to his home early the next morning, police said.
“At one point, the victim became heavily impaired to the point of losing consciousness,” police said.
The woman sought treatment at a hospital following the alleged assault, police said, and a mandated reporter at the hospital alerted authorities.
Latin Flavors addressed the incident in a statement, saying it condemns “all illegal acts.”
“Our staff and restaurant have nothing to do with Mr. Barrios’ actions,” a message posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page says. “We condemn all violence and hope that justice is done.”
Catalan was arrested March 7 and taken to jail, according to police.
Authorities didn’t release additional details but said the investigation is ongoing.
Catalan remained in custody at the Barrow County Detention Center without bond as of March 28, jail records show.
Winder is about a 50-mile drive northeast from downtown Atlanta.
By TANASIA KENNEY/Sun Herald
