Kidnapping - Shore News Network

Three arrested in Harford County kidnapping and assault case

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 17, 20250

DARLINGTON, Md. — Maryland State Police have arrested three people in connection with an alleged kidnapping and assault after a man was found running down the road with his hands bound, authorities said. Chris Lamar Cochran, 48, Grace Elizabeth Amanda Johnson, 38, and Leland Charles Lewis, 48, all of Darlington, were taken into custody following the March 10 incident. Troopers from the Bel Air Barrack responded around 8:20 a.m. to the 4200 block of Conowingo Road, where they found the victim, who told police he had been assaulted and held captive before escaping when left unattended. Charges against the suspects

ICE deports Mexican fugitive wanted for kidnapping

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 11, 20250

NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Jose Ramon Torres Cordova, a 47-year-old Mexican fugitive wanted in Hermosillo, Mexico, for kidnapping and criminal association, officials announced. Torres was removed from the Eloy Detention Center on March 7 and transferred to Mexican authorities at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales. “The return of this fugitive to Mexico is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and remove criminal aliens who are wanted in their country,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director

Two arrested in New Jersey hotel kidnapping, drug bust held captive with hypodermic needle

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 4, 20250

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Two men were arrested after allegedly holding a victim against their will in a Secaucus hotel room while one of them threatened the victim with a hypodermic needle, police said. Officers responded to the Rodeway Inn on Route 3 East at 3:19 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of a person being held captive. When officers arrived, they found the victim and removed them to safety while detaining two suspects, identified as Kevin Bazemore, 44, of Hackensack, and Brandon Bialek, 39, of Lodi. Investigators determined that Bazemore physically restrained the victim for more than two hours, while

South Carolina woman sentenced to 18 years for role in Brittanee Drexel’s kidnapping and murder

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 15, 20250

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A Georgetown woman was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for lying to investigators about her involvement in the 2009 kidnapping and murder of Brittanee Drexel, authorities said. Angel Cooper Vause, 57, concealed critical details about the crime for over 13 years, according to evidence presented in court. She falsely claimed that Drexel willingly joined her and Raymond Moody and that she was not involved in taking Drexel’s cellphone. Prosecutors said Vause assisted in luring the 17-year-old into a vehicle under the pretense of giving her a ride to her hotel and later left her alone

Sellers man convicted of kidnapping, domestic violence in Horry County

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 5, 20250

CONWAY, S.C. — A Sellers man was convicted Wednesday on charges of kidnapping and first-degree domestic violence following a jury trial in Horry County, prosecutors said. Kawasi L. Dingle, 37, was found guilty after a trial that began Monday with jury selection, according to Assistant Solicitor Brandon R. Lanier of the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The charges stemmed from a December 6, 2023, incident in which Dingle confined, beat, and strangled the victim before being arrested early the next morning by Myrtle Beach police. Circuit Court Judge Michael G. Nettles sentenced Dingle to eight years in prison for each charge,

ICE arrests Salvadoran national after kidnapping and robbery conviction

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 5, 20250

NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested a Salvadoran national convicted of robbery and kidnapping after his release from an Alabama state prison. Juan Misael Canales-Garcia, 52, was taken into ICE custody on Jan. 23 following his release from the Alabama Department of Corrections, where he had been serving a sentence for violent crimes. Canales-Garcia originally entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location. An immigration judge ordered his removal on March 30, 1992, but he subsequently reentered the country and was removed three additional times. He was arrested by the Tuscaloosa County

Asbury Park man convicted of luring and kidnapping 11-year-old girl

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 21, 20250

FREEHOLD, N.J. — A Monmouth County jury has convicted a 30-year-old Asbury Park man of luring and kidnapping an 11-year-old girl in 2023, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday. After an eight-day trial, Raquan Folk was found guilty of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree luring a child, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The verdict follows an incident on May 30, 2023, when Folk persuaded the victim to get into his vehicle while she was walking on Ridge Avenue in Asbury Park. Authorities say Folk drove the girl to Neptune Township and stopped the vehicle, at which point

Philadelphia man convicted of kidnapping and robbery in violent Kensington attack

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 14, 20250

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Philadelphia jury has convicted Eric Alamo, 48, for the kidnapping and robbery of a man and his family in the city’s Kensington neighborhood, officials announced Tuesday. Alamo was found guilty of multiple charges, including robbery, kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy, and unlawful restraint, stemming from a violent incident on November 11, 2021. Prosecutors said Alamo and two accomplices abducted a man, assaulted him, and stole money via CashApp before forcing him at gunpoint to lure his wife and 9-year-old son to Harrowgate Plaza. Alamo then robbed the victim’s wife and coerced her into making ATM withdrawals and

Utica man charged with kidnapping after 20-hour standoff with police

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 28, 20240

UTICA, NY — A 55-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, after a 20-hour standoff with police at a high-rise apartment building that began on December 26 and ended peacefully the following day. Utica Police officers were dispatched to the 17th floor of 2 Kennedy Plaza at approximately 2:50 p.m. Thursday after reports of a man threatening people with a knife. Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect, later identified as Earnest Wallace, had argued with his girlfriend, brandished a knife, threatened those present, and forcibly dragged the woman into a nearby apartment. Crisis negotiators, SWAT teams, and specialized units

Miami men found guilty in deadly 2020 kidnapping case

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 23, 20240

MIAMI, Fla. — Two Miami men, James Edward Daniels, 59, and Frederick Eugene Rudolph, 69, were found guilty on Dec. 17 of conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, multiple counts of kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping in a federal trial presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Roy K. Altman. The convictions stem from a harrowing incident on Dec. 5, 2020, when Daniels, Rudolph, and others abducted three victims from a truck yard in Opa-locka, Fla. The victims were bound, tortured, and blindfolded with duct tape before being thrown into the back of a rented van. After hours

Manhunt Continues for fugitive wanted in North Jersey carjacking, kidnapping incident

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 20, 20240

PATERSON, N.J. — Police are seeking a suspect involved in a carjacking and kidnapping that occurred Thursday morning near Marion Street. According to the Paterson Police Department, the suspect entered a Honda van in the area and drove off with a juvenile in the back seat. The vehicle was later recovered, and the child was found safe. Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or the circumstances of the incident. The investigation is ongoing as officers work to identify and locate the individual responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 973-321-1120.

Ohio woman accused of kidnapping, torturing man with hot grease and sharp objects

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 17, 20240

TOLEDO, Ohio — An Ohio woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly kidnapping and torturing a man by pouring hot grease on him, stabbing him, and burning him with embers, according to authorities. Indiolla Howell, 36, was taken into custody on December 13 and booked into the Lucas County Detention Center. The arrest followed a report from the male victim, who told police he was assaulted for approximately 30 minutes. The affidavit states Howell allegedly stabbed and sliced his face, arms, and torso with a sharp object, poured hot grease on him, struck him with a

New Kensington man sentenced to 5-10 years for kidnapping and robbery

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 14, 20240

GREENSBURG, Pa. — A Westmoreland County judge has sentenced a New Kensington man to serve five to 10 years in prison after his October conviction on charges of kidnapping and robbery, authorities said. Steven Best, 41, was sentenced on Thursday by Common Pleas Judge Scott Mears, according to Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli. The charges stem from a 2022 incident in which a woman was held against her will in the basement of Best’s home after the two met online. During the trial, the victim testified that she endured hours of captivity and was only able to escape

Florida man pleads guilty to life sentence in Gwinnett County dating app kidnapping case

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 11, 20240

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — A Florida man who used a dating app to lure victims before committing kidnapping, sexual assault, and robbery has pled guilty to multiple charges in Gwinnett County, resulting in a life sentence with the possibility of parole, authorities announced this week. Stevenson Charles, 23, admitted to charges of false imprisonment, aggravated sodomy, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of armed robbery, and two counts of aggravated assault. The plea, negotiated by Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney Scott Estes, brings closure to a case stemming from a violent attack in November 2022. “This defendant’s behavior is absolutely outrageous,”

Harrisburg Police Arrest Suspect in Child Kidnapping and Rape Case

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 5, 20240

HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg Police have arrested 32-year-old I. Marr Finley following an alarming incident involving the kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor. The arrest took place at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The incident in question unfolded on Monday, November 25, 2024, in the uptown area of Harrisburg. Finley allegedly abducted a 12-year-old girl, taking her into a residence where he committed multiple offenses, including Rape of a Child, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Kidnapping of a Minor, and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child. Police reports indicate that Finley attempted to evade arrest

Newark Woman Sought in Connection with July Kidnapping and Robbery

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 14, 20240

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities are searching for a Newark woman wanted for questioning in connection with a July kidnapping and robbery incident, according to Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda. Wendy Melendez, 43, is being sought by detectives investigating an incident that occurred on July 10 at approximately 9 p.m. near the intersection of Mt. Prospect Avenue and Montclair Avenue. Police responded to reports of a robbery involving two suspects on mopeds who allegedly targeted a driver. According to investigators, one suspect approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, knocked on the window, and reached in to remove the keys from

Fourth suspect indicted in Douglaston home invasion and kidnapping case

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 25, 20240

QUEENS, N.Y. — A fourth individual has been indicted in connection with a violent home invasion in Douglaston in August, during which a family was held hostage at gunpoint. Oneil Thompson, 45, of Cambria Heights, was arraigned on multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery, and burglary, for his alleged role as the getaway driver, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Thompson was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinsky on a 41-count indictment, which included charges of seven counts of kidnapping in the second degree, six counts of burglary in the first degree, three counts of robbery in the first

Farmingdale man pleads guilty to attempted kidnapping, eluding, and sexual contact charges

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 22, 20240

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Quamel Benton, 36, of Farmingdale, pleaded guilty Monday to multiple charges, including attempted kidnapping, two counts of eluding, and criminal sexual contact, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The charges stem from incidents that occurred on March 21 and 22 in Lakewood and Toms River. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 6. Prosecutors will seek a seven-year term in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) for the attempted kidnapping charge, with additional sentences for the other charges. Benton’s sentence includes terms for eluding and criminal sexual contact, some of which will run consecutively. The

Teen Girl Rescued After Shocking Kidnapping Incident in DC

Local News ReportOctober 18, 20240

Washington, DC – An armed kidnapping in Northwest DC has prompted the Metropolitan Police Department to ask for community assistance in identifying the suspect involved. On September 26, 2024, at approximately 10:24 p.m., Fourth District officers responded to reports of a fight in the 1300 block of Longfellow St NW. Upon arrival, officers found a black SUV and a gray sedan parked in the street with open doors and at least three suspects present. When officers approached the vehicles, both suspects fled the scene, with the SUV striking several cars, including a marked MPD cruiser. During the investigation, it was

Potential Kidnapping in Southeast D.C. Spurs Police Search for 21-Year-Old Woman

Local News ReportSeptember 27, 20240

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities are searching for 21-year-old Amonie Anderson and a vehicle involved in a potential kidnapping reported Thursday afternoon in Southeast D.C. Around 3:58 p.m., a male suspect was seen forcing Anderson into a white Infiniti Q54 sedan in the 400 block of Brandywine Street. The incident reportedly followed an argument and is believed to be domestic in nature. Anderson is described as a Black female, approximately 5’3” tall and weighing 170 pounds, with a light complexion. She was last seen wearing a light-colored tank top, light-colored sweatpants, and a black bonnet with writing. The vehicle was last

Three Men Indicted for Home Invasion and Kidnapping in Douglaston

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 26, 20240

Queens, NY – Three men, Jone Smith and brothers Ryan and Brandon Dash, have been indicted by a Queens grand jury on 41 charges including kidnapping, robbery, and burglary. The trio allegedly forced their way into a Douglaston residence last month, holding a family, including children and elderly members, hostage with weapons. One woman escaped the house with her 1-year-old child to seek police assistance. District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “As alleged, these defendants broke into a home and held a family hostage with a loaded gun, a hammer, and a crowbar. A young mother bravely fled with her infant

Queens Man Indicted for Sexual Assault and Kidnapping

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 26, 20240

Queens, NY – Christian Inga has been indicted by a Queens County grand jury on charges that include predatory sexual assault, first-degree rape, and first-degree criminal sexual act, following an attack on a 13-year-old girl and her friend in June. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the indictment follows a nightmarish daytime attack in Kissena Park, Flushing, on June 13 at around 3:30 PM. Inga, armed with a machete-style knife, allegedly threatened and forced the children into a wooded area. He is accused of binding them, gagging them, and then raping and sexually assaulting the girl. The defendant, aged

Four charged with attempted murder and kidnapping in Cumberland

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 23, 20240

CUMBERLAND, MD — Authorities have apprehended four individuals in connection with an assault and kidnapping incident in Cumberland. On September 4, at 2:00 a.m., Maryland State Police Troopers responded to the 16000 block of McMullen Highway for an assault report. Upon arrival, they found a 41-year-old male who claimed to have been kidnapped from a residence on Bedford Street in Cumberland City. The victim reported being driven into the county, assaulted, and subsequently removed from the vehicle. He was taken to UPMC Cumberland by ambulance for treatment. Detectives with the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I), Maryland State Police

New York man pleads guilty in kidnapping conspiracy to force sister into marriage in Yemen

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 20, 20240

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Waleed Abughanem, 32, of Lackawanna, N.Y., has pleaded guilty to misprision of felony for his involvement in a conspiracy to kidnap his sister and force her into an arranged marriage in Yemen. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the guilty plea on Wednesday, which could result in a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, the victim, Abughanem’s sister, had fled to Guadalajara, Mexico, in September 2021, fearing that her family would pressure her into a non-consensual arranged marriage. Despite

Delaware State Police Arrest Student for Kidnapping and Assault, Seek Additional Victims

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 5, 20240

NEWARK, DE – The Delaware State Police have arrested Jimar Payne, an 18-year-old student from Newark, Delaware, on multiple charges, including kidnapping and assault, following an incident at Christiana High School in May. Authorities are now asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional potential victims connected to this ongoing investigation. The investigation began on May 23, 2024, when a School Resource Officer at Christiana High School, located at 190 Salem Church Road, was notified of an assault and kidnapping involving two students that took place the previous day. Detectives revealed that Payne allegedly approached a 15-year-old female student