Arrest of Armed Suspect
Authorities say the New Mexico State Police arrested 28-year-old Gabriel Henry Saavedra in Las Cruces after issuing a nationwide extraditable warrant. The charges include first-degree kidnapping, battery against a household member and criminal damage to property. He was reportedly considered armed and dangerous. Jail records indicate he’s being held without bond.
Alleged Kidnapping and Assault Incident
According to investigative documents, the victim told police that on the evening of November 14 she noticed Saavedra following her car. She says he approached, honked, struck her vehicle and then forced her into the passenger seat. The victim says Saavedra drove around the Las Cruces Street and Mesquite area, slammed her head into a car window and refused to let her leave. When she attempted to escape, she said he pulled her out of the vehicle and tried to force her into his residence, where she feared for her life.
Evidence and Victim Response
Police say inspection of the woman’s vehicle found damage consistent with her story. The victim attempted to create an alert by switching vehicles, stalling the car and phoning her roommate to call law enforcement and meet at Saavedra’s home. Her actions enabled officers to locate the suspect and take him into custody at the intersection of South Telshor Boulevard and Missouri Avenue in Doña Ana County.
