COOKE COUNTY, Texas - A Gainesville man has been arrested after allegedly assaulting and kidnapping a woman before she escaped and called police.
On March 18, 2026, around 3:47 a.m., Gainesville Police officers responded to an assault in progress at the QuikTrip located at 926 W. Highway 82.
Investigators said the incident began in the 1500 block of North Weaver Street, where a 45-year-old woman was walking when she was confronted by 39-year-old Christopher Ray Branch, someone she had a prior relationship with.
According to the victim, Branch immediately assaulted her. He then displayed a knife in a threatening manner and forced her into his vehicle.
Police said Branch drove westbound on Highway 82 before stopping at the QuikTrip for unknown reasons. At that point, the victim was able to get out of the vehicle, run inside the store, and contact police.
The victim suffered multiple facial injuries and was transported by ambulance for further treatment.
Branch was taken into custody and charged with aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon, a first-degree felony.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gainesville Police Department at 940-668-7777 or submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Tip Hotline at 940-612-0000.
