Brian Anthony Williams, 50, was arrested in San Diego after allegedly evading authorities for nearly 14 years in connection with the kidnapping and shooting of an Iowa woman. Authorities said he had been working as a chef under the name Troy Williams at a Mission Beach restaurant. Investigators located him after information emerged that he was living in the area under an assumed identity. He remains in federal custody while extradition proceedings to Iowa move forward.
| 1) | The Iowa case and long-running fugitive status |
| 2) | A new identity in San Diego’s restaurant scene |
| 3) | Media appearances helped investigators identify him |
| 4) | Arrest at the Mission Beach restaurant |
| 5) | Extradition and reaction from former colleagues |
The Iowa case and long-running fugitive status
Authorities said Brian Anthony Williams had been wanted since 2012 in connection with an alleged attack in northwest Davenport, Iowa. Prosecutors charged him with first-degree kidnapping, assault causing serious injury, conspiracy to commit a felony and first-degree arson. Investigators allege that Williams and several other people kidnapped, assaulted and shot a woman before leaving her in a field.
Federal authorities later charged Williams with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The case remained unresolved as he stayed outside Iowa, and officials said he had avoided arrest for nearly 14 years before being located in California.
A new identity in San Diego’s restaurant scene
Williams was arrested on October 6, 2026, at Miss B’s Coconut Club in the Mission Beach area of San Diego. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, he had been working there under the name Troy Williams. The restaurant is located in the 3700 block of Mission Boulevard.
Local reporting indicated that he had worked at the business for more than eight years and advanced from line cook to head chef. Coworkers reportedly considered him part of the restaurant family, while authorities said he was using the position and assumed identity while wanted in Iowa.
Media appearances helped investigators identify him
Williams appeared in local media coverage, including a February profile about his career at the restaurant. In that interview, he discussed growing up in New York, overcoming adversity and the importance of treating people kindly. Authorities said a person recognized him from one of those appearances and provided information to investigators.
“Togetherness is how we get better. Kindness does win,” Williams said in the interview.
The recognition gave investigators a lead as they worked to determine whether the San Diego chef was the person wanted in the Iowa case. Officials developed additional information in September indicating that Williams was living in San Diego under an assumed identity.
Arrest at the Mission Beach restaurant
Investigators tracked Williams to the restaurant and coordinated an arrest by federal agents and deputy marshals. He was taken into custody without incident on October 6. The arrest ended a search that had extended across state lines and involved allegations dating back to 2012.
U.S. Marshal Ted Kamatchus described the case as an example of authorities continuing to pursue people who believe they have avoided law enforcement. Williams was placed in federal custody pending the next stage of the legal process.
“This arrest is a perfect example of those who think they have bested law enforcement and evaded arrest,” Kamatchus said.
Extradition and reaction from former colleagues
Williams is expected to face extradition to Iowa, where he will be prosecuted in connection with the alleged kidnapping, assault and shooting. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the Iowa court system.
Restaurant general manager Eddie Jurado, who had also been Williams’ roommate, said employees were shocked to learn that the man they knew as Troy was wanted in a violent crime. Jurado said Williams had been well regarded at the restaurant, making the allegations difficult for staff to reconcile with their personal experiences.
“Like, who is he? He was a good guy here, loved by everybody,” Jurado said.
Jurado also expressed sympathy for the woman allegedly attacked in Iowa and described the arrest as emotionally complicated for employees who felt betrayed by the deception.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Anthony Williams was wanted in Iowa over a 2012 kidnapping, assault and shooting case. |
| 2 | He allegedly worked for years as a San Diego chef under the name Troy Williams. |
| 3 | A person reportedly recognized him from a local media appearance. |
| 4 | Federal authorities arrested him without incident on October 6, 2026. |
Summary
The arrest connects a long-running Iowa criminal case with a hidden life in San Diego’s restaurant industry. Authorities say Williams used an assumed name, built a public career and was ultimately identified after appearing in local media. He remains in custody and is expected to return to Iowa to face the charges filed against him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in San Diego?
Brian Anthony Williams, 50, was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a Mission Beach restaurant.
Why was Williams wanted in Iowa?
He was wanted in connection with allegations that he and others kidnapped, assaulted and shot a woman in Davenport in 2012.
How did investigators locate him?
Authorities said information developed in September indicated that he was living in San Diego under an assumed identity, and a person reportedly recognized him from a media appearance.
What happens next?
Williams remains in federal custody pending extradition to Iowa, where he faces prosecution on the state charges and related proceedings.