Los Angeles: On Wednesday, June 12, 2002, at approximately 7:40 p.m., the victim, a male Hispanic, 26 years of age, was kidnapped at gunpoint near his residence in the 1300 block of East Walnut Street.

The victim was approached by six to seven male Hispanic adults that exited two vans as the victim parked and locked his van. The suspects kicked and punched the victim as they forced him into one of their vans and drove away.

Shortly after the victim was driven away, his family began receiving ransom demands for the safe release of the victim. During the ransom demands, the suspects repeatedly advised the victim's family that if the ransom was not paid within a specified time, the victim would be killed. The suspects allowed the family to hear them beat the victim.

Newton Area Community Police Station notified Robbery-Homicide Division detectives of the crime and requested their assistance in handling the investigation. A person who witnessed the abduction had notified the police.

Detectives from Robbery-Homicide Division responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Detectives initiated an extensive and strategic investigation over a continuous 22 hour time span. Utilizing Department resources the investigation successfully resulted in the arrest of nine male Hispanics and the safe recovery of the victim. The victim was transported to an undisclosed Hospital for medical treatment as he had been viciously pistol whipped and had sustained serious injuries. He remains hospitalized and is currently in stable but guarded condition.

The suspects have been booked at Jail Division located in Parker Center. They have been charged with Kidnap for Ransom with great bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon. Bail for each has been set at $1,000,000.00 each. Detectives recovered a substantial amount of physical evidence, including a loaded firearm during the arrest. Three vehicles have been impounded and held for investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and being handled by Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section. This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations section, 213-485-3586.