4 accused of abducting El Paso man from street corner, beating him as they drove around in van

EL PASO, Texas -- Four people have been charged with robbing, brutally beating and kidnapping an El Paso man, allegedly driving around the city with him held captive in the back of a van.

Police said Wednesday they had arrested and charged 48–year-old Javier Jurado, 42–year-old Anthony Frank Parks, 67–year-old Jesus Pablo Martinez, 46–year-old Carmen Delia Gongora with aggravated kidnapping and robbery along with engaging in organizaed criminal activity.

All four were being held in the downtown jail on $50,000 bond each.

The group is accused of abducting 60–year-old Gabriel Martinez earlier this week from the street corner of Alameda and Ventura.

Investigators said a witness to the kidnapping tried to follow the speeding van after Martinez was forced into it; that witness also alerted police.

Officers later found the van in the 100 block of Davenport and discovered a "brutally beaten" Martinez inside.

Detectives suspect the group may be responsible for other similar crimes.

A police spokesman said "anyone who has been a victim of a similar crime, or who may have been victimized by these individuals should call investigators at 915-212-4040."