Police in New Mexico have arrested a couple they say were victims of a carjacking earlier this week – who then allegedly tracked down one of the perpetrators, kidnapped him at gunpoint, and subjected him to physical abuse.
According to Albequerque Police Department records, Juan Saavedra, 37, and Christal Holliday, 23, were arrested last Friday on suspicion of kidnapping, battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence.
The Associated Press reports that Saavedra filed a police report last week, alleging he was the victim of an armed carjacking
Saavedra’s car was located last Wednesday and two teens were detained in relation to the case, however Albuquerque Police believe Saavedra and Holliday decided to track down one of the two teens in an apparent act of vigilantism.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by KOB-4 News, KRQE News-13, and other Albuquerque, NM news outlets, Saavedra approached the teen outside a convenience store the same day his car was found, armed with an AK-47.
Police allege Saavedra and Holliday forced the teen into their car at gunpoint. Police say the teen was struck in the ear by a bullet during this exchange, and that a stun gun was also repeatedly used against the teen.
READ MORE: Man charged with kidnapping after truck stolen with passenger with special needs inside
“The offenders pointed a firearm at him and threatened to kill him and his family if he told police,” the criminal complaint reads.
The teen was then driven back to Albuquerque, where he checked into hospital before coming forward to police.
Police said the boy was bleeding, covered with dirt and scratches and had marks on his wrists and ankles following the incident.
Saavedra and Holliday appeared in Bernalillo Metropolitan Court last Friday following their arrest, where bail was set $50,000 USD.
“I am concerned about the allegations,” said Judge Sharon Walton. “Particularly about the fact that this is alleged to have been a retaliation for a prior incident and that there is a video, and that a firearm was discharged, reportedly actually striking the alleged victim in the ear, in a public area, causing a risk both to the alleged victim and to the community.”
There is no word on whether charges will be laid against either of the two teens allegedly responsible for the original carjacking incident.
-With files from the Associated Press
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