Man Claiming He Was Kidnapped By Police Impersonators Released
HIALEAH (CBSMiami) - Police have released and identified the man found walking along State Road 826 with his hands cuffed, claiming he was kidnapped by police impersonators.
The victim, 45-year-old Nawfal Ziane, told the real police he was in the driveway of his home on the 15000 block of SW 43rd Lane Friday morning when three guys jumped out of a black SUV. The men identified themselves as police officers and their SUV equipped with police lights. They then handcuffed him and forced him into the SUV.
According to Miami-Dade Police Department, while traveling northbound on the Palmetto, the suspects pulled over and released Ziane at N.W. 74th Street after he tried to escape.
Police said the handcuffs on the man were not the handcuffs issued to official law enforcement.
People living in the Lakes of the Meadow, where Ziane lives with his wife and children, say the Kendall subdivision of about 2300 homes is normally quiet and safe. But they admit vandalism and theft is picking up in the area.
For 11 years, Luis Frascarelli has lived a block over from where the alleged kidnapping happened. He said he's asked the homeowner's association to make the community gated and worries about crime possibly escalating.
"We're asking the police to be more present more often here", Frascarelli said. "One day someone's gonna get a gun and shoot somebody. Then we're gonna be in the news again and that's not the idea. "
Twenty year residents Aurelio Sica and his wife Nancy walk the neighborhood several times a day with their dogs. The couple agreed what happened to Ziane is terrible and "very scary". They said the HOA needs to inform every family in the subdivision.
"If we find out that these are truly impostors who are trying to kidnap or do home invasions, it's extremely important because it's a safety issue," said Sica.
Investigators interviewed Ziane to verify his story. Now the next question remains why Ziane was targeted.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers (305)471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477 or visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip." Also, a text message may be sent to 274637. Enter CSMD followed by the tip information and press send.
