Man Accused of Kidnapping Mother, Child in El Paso Parking Lot

Man Accused of Kidnapping Mother, Child in El Paso Parking Lot

A terrifying kidnapping at a popular El Paso mall has led to the arrest of a suspect named Victor Hugo Escobedo. He is charged with abducting a woman and her toddler at gunpoint.

At a Glance

  • 52-year-old Victor Hugo Escobedo was arrested for kidnapping a woman and her 2-year-old daughter at Cielo Vista Mall.
  • The suspect allegedly forced the mother to drive to the bank and withdraw money for him.
  • Escobedo faces multiple charges including aggravated kidnapping and robbery.
  • He was arrested following a police investigation and is now held on $550,000 bond.

Harrowing Ordeal in Broad Daylight

On September 6, 2024, at approximately 12:05 p.m., what began as a routine shopping trip turned into a nightmare for a 26-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. As the mother was securing her toddler in the car seat, an armed man approached, setting in motion a chain of events that would shock the community.

The suspect, later identified as Victor Hugo Escobedo, allegedly brandished a black and yellow handgun, forcing the woman to drive him to her bank. With her child’s safety at stake, the victim had no choice but to comply with the gunman’s demands.

Woman Complies With Demands Under Duress

Fearing for her life and that of her daughter, the woman drove to a nearby bank as instructed. In a heart-stopping moment, she was compelled to leave her child in the vehicle with the armed kidnapper while she entered the bank to withdraw cash.

After the withdrawal, Escobedo allegedly made the woman drive back to the mall. There, he is reported to have stolen her money and mobile device before taking off.

Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest

Following the incident and the suspect’s departure, the victim promptly contacted law enforcement, setting off an intensive investigation. Detectives from the Crimes Against Persons unit worked diligently to identify and apprehend the suspect. Their efforts paid off when they arrested Victor Hugo Escobedo, 52, of El Paso.

Charges and Public Assistance Sought

Escobedo now faces serious charges, including aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail with a total bond set at $550,000, reflecting the gravity of his alleged crimes.

The El Paso Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any additional information related to this case. Citizens can contact the police through 915-832-4400 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS).

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

Sources

  1. Woman kidnapped from Cielo Vista mall parking lot, police say
  2. El Paso man arrested in kidnapping of mom, toddler in Cielo Vista Mall parking lot

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