Cousins allegedly involved in kidnapping, assault of woman
Police arrested two cousins accused of threatening a woman with a gun and holding her against her will.
It happened shortly after midnight Thursday, May 25, 2017. Las Cruces Police were dispatched to the 2080 S. Triviz Dr. location of WoodSpring Suites after receiving report of a disturbance in the parking lot.
Investigators believe Michael L. Apodaca, 47, enlisted the help of his cousin, 34-year-old Gilbert H. Apodaca, to search for someone at the hotel who supposedly owed him money.
The 28-year-old female victim sat in a black sport utility vehicle before Michael approached and threatened her with a .22 caliber handgun, investigators speculate. He is then suspected to have forced the woman to join him inside the hotel to continue his search. Gilbert remained in their Honda with the handgun hidden in the center console until police arrived.
The woman was not seriously injured and no shots were fired.
Both men have been booked into Dona Ana County Detention Center and face multiple charges.
Michael faces one count each of kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, receiving stolen property and criminal damage to property. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.
Gilbert is charged with tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is being held on a $5,000 bond.
