Brayan Villarreal's Family Center Of Kidnapping Scheme In Venezuela
DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - A scary experience unfolded for Tigers pitcher Brayan Villarreal who learned his family's home was attacked by three armed robbers in Venezuela, who threatened to kidnap his relatives in the future.
His agent, Hector Gomez, said the attack took place on Friday about 100 miles outside of Caracas - adding this should serve as a warning to other players about the dangers their families could be facing living in Venezuela.
Gomez spoke with ESPN Deportes, which found:
Villarreal's father was beaten and the intruders threatened to shoot the mother and little brother if they made noise - when police came to the door to investigate after being called by a concerned neighbor.
"The guys put a gun in the mouth of Brayan's father and his little 14-year-old brother, threatening that they would return and kidnap everybody if they said anything to the Police. When the authorities reached the house to investigate if something was going on, they threatened everyone to not open the door," Gomez told ESPNdeportes.com on Sunday.
No one was injured in the unsuccessful kidnapping plot.
Villarreal will not be leaving spring training - although he was not with the team on Sunday Villarreal is scheduled for Monday's game in Lakeland against the Braves.
According to ESPN Deportes kidnappings in Venezuela have risen dramatically over the last few years, with over 600 in 2009.
In November, Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was kidnapped but later rescued.
