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In a Facebook statement Ryan Rodriguez said:
"At this time I'd like to give a huge THANK YOU to every individual who has given their time, support, prayers and love in effort to bring me back home safe. I'm now resting comfortably and looking forward to a positive future. Words cannot express how overwhelmed it makes me feel knowing how much love has been displayed. For this, I have no question you all are the reason why I made it back alive and well.
A special THANK YOU to the community of Firebaugh. Once again, you all have shown how special this little town really is. I will forever be proud and grateful to have come from such a close community that I consider family. Thank you all again and I love you all.
Love,
Ryan Gabriel Rodriguez "
Deputies say three suspects kidnapped Ryan Rodriquez on Friday December 6th. His disappearance kicked off a massive search. But investigators say Rodriquez was let go on Wednesday night.
On Thursday Ryan's father, Gabriel spoke with investigators for more than two hours at the Sheriff's office. His mother asked for privacy during this time but the big question is whether their son was specifically targeted.
"The taking of another human being and imprisoning him like they did for five days is a very serious offense," said Lt. Mark Padilla.
Investigators tell us three armed men kidnapped him and covered his eyes during his captivity. The 32 year-old was fed very little by the suspects. "I am not going to go into very many details into how he was contained. They provided him with snacks at times to eat," added Padilla.
At one point $100,000 was offered for his safe return and a massive manhunt was underway. But on Wednesday evening a hungry and cold Rodriquez banged on the door of a Kerman house. He told the homeowner he was dropped by several men. Deputies don't believe his kidnappers abused him physically but the experience took a huge mental toll. "They never made any demands of the victim. He is not certain why he was selected to be a victim," said Padilla.
Deputies only have a vague description of the three suspects because Rodriquez's eyes were covered during parts of the kidnapping. Padilla said, "One of the Hispanic males is in his 30s and has a tattoo of a rose on his neck."
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PRESS RELEASE:
Gabriel Ryan Rodriquez was reported missing this past Friday from the area of Oakland & Butte in southwest Fresno County.
Rodriquez was located safely outside of the City of Kerman on Wednesday December 11, 2013 at about 8 PM. The Sheriff's Office is handling this investigation as a kidnaping.
The suspect and vehicle descriptions are as follows:
Suspect Vehicle#1: silver colored four door Honda Civic with 3 Hispanic male suspects.
Suspect #1: HMA, about 30, 5'8" – 5"9, shaved head, mustache, blue bandana around neck, possible tattoo of a rose on right side of the neck.
Suspect #2 HMA, about 20, clean shaven, round face.
Suspect #3 HMA.
Suspects were armed with firearms and all wore dark clothing.
Possible 2nd suspect vehicle used at the time of abduction was some type of van that may have been in the area of Oakland and Butte Avenues.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have information on the vehicle, or any other aspect of the investigation, to please contact Detective Romeo Grajeda at 600-8206, Romeo.Grajeda@fresnosheriff.org , the Fresno County Sheriff's Office at 600-3111, or CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP(7867).
