Santa Cruz Tech Executive Kidnapped; Suspect Car Found With Body
SANTA CRUZ (KPIX 5) -- An intense manhunt is underway for the suspects who kidnapped a well-known businessman from his beachfront home Tuesday morning in Santa Cruz.
UPDATE 10/2: Body Identified As Kidnapped Tech Executive
"Somebody broke into his house last night and kidnapped him at 3 a.m., we have no idea why, we have no idea who," a friend named Christopher Lochhead made an emotional plea on Facebook. "We need everybody all of our friends the entire community to get behind this effort and support our sheriffs department and the FBI and law enforcement in finding Tushar."
Tushar Atre, 50, was kidnapped from his home on the 3000 block of Pleasure Point Drive, according to Santa Cruz County Sheriff's investigators. At 10 a.m., deputies discovered the white BMW that he was last seen in on Soquel San Jose Road, as well as a body that has not yet been identified.
Deputies said more than one suspect kidnapped Atre and forced him into his girlfriend's SUV. Crime scene investigators combed both crime scenes for hours.
Neighbors said the crime was "horrifying" and unusual for the quiet street that is frequented by surfers and known for its multi-million dollar properties.
A neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Atre lived in Pleausure Point for more than 20 years, and that he moved into the Pleasure Point Drive home two years ago.
Atre founded and became the CEO of AtreNet, a web marketing and design company.
A friend, who also didn't want to be identified, told KPIX 5 that Atre made enemies over his business deals, and specifically with his company.
However, Glassdoor.com reveals Atre may not have been well-liked by his employees at AtreNet. One poster wrote,"The CEO Tushar Atre doesn't value anyone, but himself."
Another poster left a review that said,"Total abusive nightmare! The worst employment experience of my life! You've been warned -- run away now!"
"A lot of things are going to come out," one neighbor said.
Investigators have not said what connection, if any, the suspects may have had with Atre.
"We need to help law enforcement because we need our friend back, please, please, help us find Tushar," Lochheed said on Facebook.