After only a few hours, the nightmare is over for Mexican soccer player Alan Pulido who was kidnapped during the early hours of Sunday as he was reportedly freed that same night.
Tamaulipas Governor Egidio Torre Cantu attended a press conference with Pulido and his family, after the athlete was discharged from the hospital. When asked how he was, Pulido responded, “Very well. Thank God,” only wearing a bandage over one of his hands.
Authorities claimed they have only one suspect in custody out of the six alleged captors who took Pulido. No further details were given of the rescue operation, but it was common knowledge that Federal and State police conducted the successful manhunt.
“The most important thing is that he is here. He is with us,” Cantu said.
The soccer player was in the car with his girlfriend at the time of the incident but she was reportedly left unharmed in the same vehicle and car park where the kidnapping took place.
Once again, Pulido’s Greek team Olympiacos took to social media to express their relief that the player is home. “Alan is safe and sound with his family. We thank everyone for their concern and prayers during the difficult moments he has lived,” the club tweeted.
The U.S. bordering state of Tamaulipas has been plagued with organized crime for over five years now, due to an ongoing dispute between the Gulf Cartel and its former armed wing Los Zetas who have been fighting over the state since 2010. However, territories have been vaguely assigned as pertaining to each group, and authorities have indicated that the road Pulido was taken from is within in an area that “belongs” to Los Zetas.
According to statistics, Ciudad Victoria has been ranked as the second most dangerous city in the country for kidnappings, which is why authorities and locals have recommended staying off the streets after dark.
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