According to charging documents initially reported by Komo News, Daniel Lopez, a 24-year-old individual, is being charged with first-degree kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The Auburn Police Department (APD) announced that Lopez has been found as a result of a collaborative effort between the FBI and local authorities. This investigation is related to the disappearance of Jackelin Perez, a 21-year-old resident of Auburn.
Authorities in Houston, Texas, apprehended him over 2,300 miles from Auburn after successfully tracing his license plate, according to the APD. Local TV station reports state that Lopez was extradited to Washington before facing charges.
According to authorities, Perez had recently moved to Washington with her husband from Guatemala before she went missing last month.
According to charging documents, Perez’s husband came home about 20 minutes after she was abducted by at least two men, including Lopez. He then reported her disappearance on the morning of October 14.
According to the police, the victim was taken to Mexico by the kidnappers before they later let her go.
The reason behind the kidnappers’ decision to take her to Mexico remains unclear. Police have speculated that Perez may have been inadvertently involved in illegal activities, despite not being directly implicated.
Search teams also made efforts in Guatemala and Mexico before locating her.
According to a statement from the APD on October 23, Jackelin Perez has been found safe and alive in Mexico by Mexican authorities. After being located, Perez confirmed that she had been abducted at gunpoint.
Kolby Crossley, a public information officer for the APD, expressed his astonishment, stating, “It was truly shocking.”
“It was truly a delightful surprise for all of us when we finally located Perez,” he enthusiastically shared.
The APD expressed its gratitude to the detectives who tirelessly worked to find Jackelin, acknowledging their outstanding efforts. The statement also extended appreciation to the FBI and other collaborating agencies for their assistance in the case.