Charges Of Kidnapping Filed Against Hispanic Youth And Other Individuals

On the evening of Jun. 21, 2023, at 6:59 pm, law enforcement officers responded to a reported kidnapping incident at Philwood Avenue in the 3500 block.

The officers were informed that the victim's girlfriend was unable to locate him, and upon arriving at the scene, they discovered the victim's vehicle, which had been subjected to a search.

To aid in the investigation, video footage from the vicinity was obtained, allowing the officers to gather descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle, which were promptly disseminated to other officers throughout the city. A citywide watch was initiated.

Collaborating with the victim's family, officers identified potential locations where the victim might have been taken.

Based on their investigations, it was determined that the victim was last seen in the 2400 block of Chelsea Avenue.

Officers conducted a thorough search of the area and eventually located the suspect vehicle in the 1600 block of Ash Street.

During the pursuit, the officers made an attempt to stop the suspects' vehicle, resulting in a chase. In the vicinity of Chelsea Avenue and Wells Station Road, the victim was forcibly ejected from the vehicle but was fortunately retrieved by the officers unharmed.

The pursuit of the suspects persisted, and the successful deployment of stop sticks caused the car to come to a halt in the 1200 block of North Graham. Subsequently, the suspects fled on foot.

In a collaborative effort involving officers, the K9 unit, and Aviation, a thorough search of the area was conducted, leading to the apprehension of three out of the four suspects.

One of the suspects sustained a minor injury while attempting to flee and was taken to Regional One Hospital for medical attention. Following treatment, they were released, La Prensa Latina reported.

Further investigation revealed that the car used in the crime had been stolen, and a weapon related to the kidnapping was recovered.

A 16-year-old male has been charged with several offenses, including Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, Theft of Property valued between $10,000 and $60,000, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Evading Arrest on Foot.

A 17-year-old male has been charged with multiple offenses, including Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, Theft of Property valued between $10,000 and $60,000, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Evading Arrest on Foot, and Theft of a Firearm.

Additionally, Bryan Martinez, 18, is facing charges that include Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Evading Arrest on Foot, Theft of Property valued between $10,000 and $60,000, and Intentionally Evading Arrest in an Automobile.