IMMOKALEE, FL — A 36-year-old man has been convicted of kidnapping and assault following a violent domestic crime spree that spanned multiple Florida counties and ended with the rescue of his wife and four children by Collier County deputies.
Antonio Caban was found guilty in Collier County Circuit Court and faces a potential life sentence when he returns to court for sentencing on July 7. The charges stem from a January 3, 2023, incident in which Caban forcibly took control of his wife’s car in LaBelle and terrorized his family during a daylong ordeal.
Authorities said Caban assaulted his wife — hitting and biting her in the face — and made repeated threats to harm their children while transporting the family across county lines. His wife and children had recently relocated from Puerto Rico, fleeing what officials described as years of domestic abuse.
At one point during the incident, Caban struck his wife with a tire iron and buried her phone in a citrus grove to prevent tracking. He later told her he planned to buy a shovel at a home improvement store to kill and bury the entire family.
“She eventually tricked Caban into taking her to a women’s shelter in Immokalee where she alerted staff,” the Collier County Sheriff’s Office stated. Deputies responded to the shelter, secured the family, and arrested Caban without incident.
Sheriff commends family’s rescue and conviction
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk credited the victim’s actions and the coordinated response of law enforcement. “This case is a stark reminder of the dangers victims of domestic violence can face,” Rambosk said. “I commend the victim for her courage and quick thinking in the face of great danger.”
The sheriff also acknowledged the multi-agency effort that helped track and apprehend Caban swiftly, ensuring the safety of the victims.
Caban remained in custody following his arrest. The charges included multiple counts of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and domestic battery, according to court records.
A Collier County jury deliberated briefly before returning the guilty verdict.
