Man arrested after allegedly kidnapping acquaintance

A kidnap suspect was taken into custody in California after evading Yuma police Sunday, according to the Yuma Police Department.

Andrew Gonzalez is suspected of kidnapping an acquaintance who picked him up in a 2006 Ford four-door sedan on the 200 block of North Madison Avenue at 7:30 p.m., according to Sgt. Clint Norred, YPD spokesman.

Gonzalez allegedly ordered the driver at gunpoint to go through the Yuma area, eventually pulling alongside a YPD patrol car at Avenue 9E and South Frontage Road.

The driver at that moment made it known to the officer that they were being held against their will at gunpoint, Norred said. Once the officer took notice, he saw the suspect brandish a firearm toward the driver and then the vehicle sped away.

The officer followed the vehicle and called in for backup units, Norred said. The officer began to pursue the vehicle, which proceeded westbound. YPD then alerted the California Highway Patrol.

The vehicle was followed throughout Yuma until it entered California, where California authorities continued the pursuit. After the car entered California, the CHP caught the suspect.

Norred declined to identify the victim.

Gonzalez has been charged in Imperial County with attempted murder, kidnapping with carjacking and armed robbery.
  He will likely face similar charges in Yuma County, Norred said. Once the Yuma County Attorney's Office reviews the police report, they will either issue a summons, convene a grand jury or file for extradition to bring Gonzalez to justice in Arizona, he added.

YPD asks that anyone with further information in the case call them at 783-4421, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.