Alexis Ruhlen, 19, says she didn’t think she’d survive Thursday after her boyfriend hid in her car at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, at the end of class and forced her to drive with a knife to her face and neck. 

“He said you’re going to drive, and if you look at anyone, if you call police, if anyone sees anything – I’m going to stab you,” said the Garfield woman. 

Ruhlen says 22-year-old Pawel Sliwinski repeatedly punched her in the head with his fist and a pumpkin that she had in her back seat – while threatening to kill her because he was angry she didn’t return his calls.  

“He hit me across the face so hard that the other side of my head hit the window," she says.

Ruhlen ended up battered and bruised miles away, at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlet in Central Valley, where Sliwinski allegedly told her to stop during the ordeal to buy himself a pair ski pants. 

She says he took her phone and told her to stay put but instead she went to Woodbury police. 

Authorities say Sliwinski was found at the Harriman Train Station and arrested. 

Ruhlen saw News 12's report online about what happened and reached out in hope her story will help others experiencing intimate partner abuse too. 

“I want everyone who’s going through similar things to start being encouraged and inspired that they can get out and that there’s hope for them.” 

Sliwinski is facing multiple felony charges in New York and New Jersey including unlawful imprisonment, kidnapping, and making a terroristic threat. 

He’s currently in Orange County Jail without bail and facing transfer to New Jersey.  

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs help with intimate partner abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.