Currently a kidnapping near the U.S. Mexico border is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police along with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, it has been requested to assist in a kidnapping incident reported to the New Mexico State Police. On Monday, a victim was on a ranch in the Animas area when he observed a parked vehicle with two men inside. The victim reported that he stopped to see what was going on. The men said their vehicle was broken down, and they then forced him to drive them to Willcox, Arizona in his vehicle.
The victim reported that he drove the two to Willcox, and the kidnappers told him not to report anything because they would have someone watching him. The victim did report this incident and the New Mexico State Police contacted the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office for cooperation and assistance to investigate the report.
The New Mexico State Police is the lead agency with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office providing assistance.
According to the New Mexico State Police, US Border Patrol has two subjects in custody as a result of a short vehicle pursuit and leads that were developed at the scene of the reported kidnapping. The Cochise County Sheriff reports that it is unknown what – if any – involvement these two subjects have in the reported kidnapping however, both subjects are being interviewed in relation to this incident.
The Sheriff’s Office says it is “working diligently to bring this case to closure for the peace of mind and well-being of our ranchers and our citizens.”
Ranchers in the region are concerned that few understand the increasingly dangerous conditions along the U.S. Mexico border. Earlier this month, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels testified along with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey about the need for increased assistance to those trying to protect residents and the nation from criminals taking advantage of the porous border.