SWAT Safely Rescues Hostage

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide (RHD) detectives safely located and rescued a man kidnapped and held hostage for ransom.

On July 27, 2008 a woman frantically called investigators and reported that her 20-year-old son had called her and told her that “coyotes” had illegally smuggled him into the US. The suspects said they would not release him until they received $2,500 from his family, and threatened to kill him unless their demands were met.

The investigations lead detectives to two separate locations in the city of Ontario. Due to the volatile situation, SWAT officers entered both locations simultaneously and found the victim inside.

During subsequent search warrants, detectives found an undisclosed amount of cash, a .22 Caliber rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and various equipment necessary to manufacture counterfeit U.S. and Mexican identifications. The victim and the suspects were both released to Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement for processing.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact RHD Detective Thomas Thornton at 213-485-2531. After hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll free number, 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).