Man tells date he has a ‘surprise’ for her, which turned out to be a .357 Magnum and murder kit complete with hacksaw, tarp and shovel: Police

A 22-year-old Wisconsin man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he used the promise of a “surprise” to lure a woman into a terrifying ordeal that allegedly involved a loaded .357 Magnum revolver, handcuffs, a knife, and what investigators described as a “kill kit” containing tools and supplies that could have been used to restrain, transport, or dispose of a victim.

The accused, identified as Angelo Liberto, was arrested and charged with attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, and false imprisonment, all with deadly weapon enhancements. The allegations stem from an incident that police say occurred on May 29.

How the Relationship Began

Woman Said She Only Wanted Friendship

According to investigators, the woman met Liberto through mutual friends in September 2025. The two went on several dates, but the woman reportedly made it clear that she did not want a romantic relationship with him. Police said she repeatedly told him she wanted to remain friends.

Court documents indicate that Liberto was unhappy with the situation and complained that she would not allow him to kiss her or even hold her hand.

Unannounced Visit Raised Concerns

Days before the alleged kidnapping, Liberto reportedly appeared at the woman’s home around 1 a.m. without warning and told her he had a “surprise” for her. The woman later told police that she felt uncomfortable and informed him that he had crossed personal boundaries, instructing him to leave.

Despite that incident, the pair still had plans to meet on May 29.

The Alleged “Gift” and “Another Surprise”

Woman Entered Vehicle Believing It Was a Date

When Liberto arrived to pick the woman up on May 29, police say he told her he had a “gift” for her in his vehicle and another surprise waiting in the back seat. Trusting his explanation, the woman got into the vehicle and the two drove away.

According to the criminal complaint, events quickly took a disturbing turn.

Gun Allegedly Produced During the Drive

Police said Liberto eventually pulled the vehicle over and allegedly told the woman that she should have been scared. Investigators say he then pulled out a Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver and pointed it at her.

The complaint states that Liberto demanded her cellphone and wanted her password. The woman allegedly refused to hand over the device unless he lowered the weapon.

Woman Attempted to Defend Herself

Authorities say the woman attempted to grab the gun and was briefly able to gain control of it. However, she remained trapped because Liberto allegedly locked the vehicle’s doors, preventing her escape.

Knife, Handcuffs and Threats

Police Say Suspect Escalated the Situation

After losing control of the firearm, Liberto allegedly produced a knife. Investigators say he then instructed the woman to place handcuffs on herself using a pair that was already in the back seat of the vehicle. Fearing for her safety, she complied.

Accusations and Jealousy

According to the complaint, Liberto began accusing the woman of seeing other people and lying to him. The woman still had access to her cellphone and repeatedly attempted to call 911 and contact family members while handcuffed.

Investigators say the suspect’s comments became increasingly alarming as the encounter continued.

Alleged Plan to Take Victim to Remote Lake House

Four-Hour Drive Discussed

The woman told police that Liberto spoke about taking her to a lake house located approximately four hours away. During the drive, he allegedly described her as “perfect” and claimed he wanted to “use her like she used him.”

Alleged Admission of Planned Sexual Assault

According to the criminal complaint, the woman directly asked Liberto whether he intended to sexually assault her. Police say his response was a simple “Yes.”

The complaint further alleges that Liberto said they would remain at the lake house for several days.

“Point of No Return”

Investigators say the suspect also made comments suggesting violence could follow. He allegedly referenced how people kill others for doing bad things and told the woman, “We are at the point of no return.”

Those statements became a major focus of the subsequent police investigation.

Police Stop the Vehicle

Authorities Intervene Before Alleged Plan Could Continue

Police eventually located and stopped Liberto’s vehicle shortly after 11 p.m. on May 29. Officers arrested him and safely removed the woman from the vehicle.

Investigators then searched the car and reportedly discovered a large collection of items that prosecutors believe were significant to the case.

The Alleged “Kill Kit” Found Inside the Vehicle

Extensive Collection of Items Recovered

According to police, officers found numerous objects inside the vehicle in addition to the revolver, knife, and handcuffs. The inventory allegedly included:

• Duct tape
• Hacksaw
• Tarp
• Shovel
• Bondage restraints
• “Hogtie” restraint kit
• Gloves
• Headlamps
• Lubricant
• Condoms
• Erectile dysfunction medication
• Unopened package of women’s underwear
• Ten-foot coil chain
• Hydrogen peroxide
• 36-inch gooseneck wrecking bar
• An unidentified clear, odorless liquid

Investigators cited the presence of these items as part of the evidence supporting the kidnapping and assault allegations.

Additional Allegations Surface

Vehicle Vandalism Admission

The criminal complaint also states that Liberto allegedly admitted to previously vandalizing the woman’s vehicle. Investigators included that information as part of the broader history between the two individuals.

Detectives Conduct Follow-Up Interview

The day after the incident, detectives interviewed the woman again to gather additional details about the relationship and the events leading up to the alleged kidnapping. During that interview, she reiterated that she had repeatedly communicated that she wanted only friendship and had no interest in a romantic relationship.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Multiple Felony Charges Filed

Following his arrest, Liberto was charged with:

• Attempted sexual assault with a deadly weapon enhancement
• Kidnapping with a deadly weapon enhancement
• False imprisonment with a deadly weapon enhancement

Bond Set at $200,000

Authorities confirmed that Liberto was being held at the Milwaukee County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond. Court records showed that he was scheduled to make an appearance in court following his arrest.

Investigation Continues

The case has attracted significant attention because of the allegations that a routine date was transformed into an alleged kidnapping plot involving a firearm and a collection of items investigators characterized as a potential murder or restraint kit. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials continue to review evidence recovered from the vehicle as the criminal case moves through the Wisconsin court system.