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Fort Smith Kidnapping Investigation Leads To Four Arrests

FORT SMITH (KFSM) — Fort Smith police arrested four people involved in a kidnapping investigation on Friday (Jan. 20), according to Sgt. Daniel Grubbs wit...
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FORT SMITH (KFSM) — Fort Smith police arrested four people involved in a kidnapping investigation on Friday (Jan. 20), according to Sgt. Daniel Grubbs with the Fort Smith Police Department.

Police were dispatched to the 2200 block of Grand Avenue regarding a battery. There, they found 35-year-old Gustavo Olivares inside with face and head injuries.

Olivares told police that two men, Manual Gonzalez and Jorge Jiminez, kidnapped him at gunpoint in the 1400 block of North 11th Street. He told police the men accused him of stealing a package that belonged to them.

He said the men drove a newer-model, grey Chevrolet Silverado.

According to police, one suspect allegedly put a gun to his back and forced him into the vehicle, while another suspect pointed a rifle at him from the driver’s seat. Olivares told officers the men drove him to a residence on the 3000 block of Hardie Avenue.

Olivares reported he was punched, and was beaten on his face and head with a rifle, according to police.

He also reported he was tied with extension cords to a weight bench and that the suspects taped his mouth.

Police said Olivares reported that the suspects left the room and discussed going to the casino to create an alibi. He allegedly heard them speaking to two women before they all left the residence.

He was able to free himself. He fled through a window and ran to McDonald’s where he called police.  He was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released for a broken orbital bone and nose, and several cuts to his head.

Also, a small fire was reported at the residence on Hardie Avenue. Firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the fire.The cause of the fire continues to be investigated.

An AK-47, suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized when the suspects were arrested. Gonzales booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on suspicion of first-degree false imprisonment, second-degree battery and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.

Danielle Smedley, 21, who was with Gonzalez was booked in the same jail on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia.

A short time later, police found Jiminez at the Baymont Inn & Suites located at the 2000 block of Burnham Road.

Fort Smith SWAT forced entry into the room and took Jiminez, and a woman into custody. He was booked on suspicion of first-degree false imprisonment and second-degree battery, as well as simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.

The woman was identified as Amanda Hartsell, 25. Two guns and suspected methamphetamine was seized from the room. Hartsell was face simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.

The investigation is on-going.

Fort Smith Kidnapping Investigation Leads To Four Arrests

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