2 Good Samaritans hurt trying to stop kidnapping, 4-year-old returned to mother safely
By Alicia Alvarez
Click here for updates on this story
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KSBW) — A child is safe after law enforcement was able to track down his suspected kidnapper and apprehend him in Castroville, Monday night.
Monterey police officers responded to a reported kidnapping at a motel on North Fremont Avenue on Monday, just after 7 p.m. Multiple 911 calls reported that a man had taken a child in his vehicle and struck two pedestrians while fleeing.
The suspect was identified as Daniel Hutchens from Atwater. The abducted child was Hutchens’s 4-year-old son. Police determined that Hutchens’ ex-wife and their two children were visiting Monterey; Hutchens followed them in a rental car through a motel parking lot.
When the woman parked and exited her car, Hutchens allegedly assaulted her while wearing a mask. Before taking her watch and forcing his way into her vehicle, he took his 4-year-old son and ran to his rental car.
Nearby witnesses attempted to stop Hutchens, who threatened them when they opened his car door. He claimed he had a firearm and would shoot. Hutchens accelerated and hit two witnesses with the open door in the process, according to police.
Both victims who were hit were treated for their injuries at the scene.
Seaside officers attempted to make a traffic stop near Fremont Avenue and Portola Drive. Hutchens fled, prompting a police pursuit. He drove onto Highway 1 and reached speeds over 100 miles per hour. He called 911, making threats that he was armed and would not surrender.
Hutchens later ran away on foot after abandoning the car on Axtell Street near Benson Road.
Castroville residents called 911 just after 10 p.m. to report a man walking with a child near Blevins and Via Linda. Shortly after, a drone spotted the two near North Monterey County Middle School.
Hutchens was taken into custody. The 4-year-old boy was assessed by police and paramedics. He did not suffer significant injuries. He was reunited with his mother.
Hutchens was booked into Monterey County Jail on charges of kidnapping, robbery, domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, felony evasion and felony child abuse.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.