Young woman found alive in suspected kidnapper’s apartment
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A young woman has been found alive by police in the home of her suspected kidnapper.
Victor Pena, 38, was arrested after police found him at his apartment with the young woman who was allegedly being held against her will.
Olivia Ambrose was found crying and had a “horrified look on her face” when police found her in a Boston apartment on Tuesday. Ms Ambrose, 23, had been missing since Saturday night.
Before she was found, the last known “ping” from her mobile phone came from an apartment complex, according to police. Detectives showed CCTV images to neighbours who said the man pictured looked like Mr Pena.
Ms Ambrose disappeared over the weekend after she left a bar in Boston.
CCTV footage showed Mr Pena and another man watching Ms Ambrose stagger across a street before approaching her.
Surveillance footage shows two men engaging with Ms Ambrose, one who was identified as Mr Pena. The other man was ruled out as a suspect.
Police say Mr Pena can then be seen putting his arms around and physically guiding Ms Ambrose. She did not go with Mr Pena willingly, court documents allege.
Ms Ambrose was treated in hospital after being discovered.
Ms Ambrose was treated in hospital after being discovered.Source:Facebook
CCTV footage allegedly shows Mr Pena guiding the young woman.
CCTV footage allegedly shows Mr Pena guiding the young woman.Source:Supplied
A break came when the 23-year-old’s phone reactivated and she started texting her mother, according to court documents.
Police located the apartment and knocked on the door multiple times before it was drilled to gain entry. As they were drilling the door they heard locks being opened “from the inside”, read the court documents.
Ms Ambrose told detectives as they arrived that she was being “held against her will” and that Mr Pena had “refused to let her leave the apartment for the entire time she was held there”.
She also said he had taken her phone from her.
A neighbour described hearing blaring music from Pena’s apartment the night before.
“I could hear the music from here. It was loud, but I didn’t know what was going on,” the neighbour, who did not want to be identified, told NBC News.
Mr Pena “resisted violently” when authorities tried to handcuff him.
Victor Pena was spotted engaging with Ms Ambrose on Saturday night after she left a bar.
Victor Pena was spotted engaging with Ms Ambrose on Saturday night after she left a bar.Source:Twitter
CCTV footage of Mr Pena shows him behaving strangely at a train station.
CCTV footage of Mr Pena shows him behaving strangely at a train station.Source:Twitter
Ms Ambrose was taken from the apartment to Massachusetts General Hospital, before being discharged. She is now with her family.
In court, Mr Pena cried and appeared to be in distress as he heard a court-ordered psychiatrist speak through a translator.
Police have charged Mr Pena with the kidnapping of Ms Ambrose, but said additional charges could follow based on their interviews with the young woman.
A not-guilty plea was entered on behalf of Mr Pena.
Alleged kidnapper Victor Pena openly weeps as he appears in court.
Alleged kidnapper Victor Pena openly weeps as he appears in court.Source:Facebook
Further charges may be laid based on police interviews.
Further charges may be laid based on police interviews.Source:Facebook
She said Mr Pena has a history of being on antipsychotic medication and that he had been exhibiting bizarre behaviour and suicidal ideation. She said it was possible Mr Pena had been exaggerating these symptoms.
He has been ordered to an inpatient facility where he will undergo a mental health evaluation over the next 28 days. He is due back in court on February 11.
https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/young-woman-found-alive-in-suspected-kidnappers-apartment/news-story/b2991a24063ceec9d3537b2fdd7875d3
