Cops: OnStar helped locate kidnapped federal agent
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Four Florida teens are now in custody in connection with the kidnapping of a federal customs agent at an Orlando hotel Thursday, reports CBS affiliate WKMG. Authorities are reportedly crediting car security service OnStar with helping find the agent.
Officials say suspect Gregory McDonald, 18, was located in a West Orange County apartment complex around 10 p.m. Friday, reports the station. The Orange County Sheriff's Office reports that another 18-year-old, Dante Askins, was arrested Thursday driving another stolen car less than a mile from the hotel parking lot where authorities say off-duty federal customs agent Armando Alaniz was confronted at gunpoint by four people early Thursday.
Two juveniles, 15 and 16, have also been arrested.
"These are high school students, that's the other sad thing, that we're talking about 15 and 16 years old, caught up with two 18-year-olds," said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings Friday. "These teenagers are playing a very deadly game."
Officials say the 44-year-old Alaniz, who was visiting from Texas with his family on a vacation, was robbed and pistol whipped while the suspects drove around over the next few hours, before abandoning Alaniz and the vehicle. Alaniz was also zip-tied and duct-taped, reports WKMG.
Orange County deputies said Alaniz's wife realized that he had been gone for too long and called 911 and On Star, which called the vehicle, reports the station. Alaniz was reportedly able to get away when the suspects ditched the vehicle.
The car was found abandoned near Cypress Parkway, about 10 miles from the hotel, reports WKMG.
Deputies said On Star helped them find Alaniz, who was taken to a hospital and needed several stitches, reports the station.
Alaniz also reportedly told deputies that he heard the teens talking about carjacking someone else. Police say the teens were likely responsible for other crimes in the tourist area.
The teens face charges of armed robbery, armed carjacking and aggravated battery.Orange County Sheriff Demings said at a news conference Friday that federal charges are also possible.