[SteveStromberg]

Police: Illegal immigrant abducted when aunt unable to pay smugglers his fee

The Associated Press

CORONA, Calif. --
A 15-year-old boy, who was transported illegally from Guatemala to Southern California, was kidnapped by smugglers after his aunt failed to produce enough money, police said Sunday.

David Flores' aunt had arranged to meet his smugglers at a Chevron gas station in Corona, where the boy was to be exchanged Saturday for a predetermined amount of money, Police Chief Richard O. Gonzales said in a statement.

"The exchange was made. However, the aunt was not able to provide the full amount as agreed upon," Gonzales said. "The suspects became upset and forcibly removed the juvenile from the aunt's vehicle."

Police, who issued a statewide Amber Alert for Flores, believe his abductors may be in the San Diego area.

Gonzales said the kidnappers, who fled with the aunt's money and jewelry, put the boy in a late 1980s or early '90s model SUV believed to be either a Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe. The blue-and-white vehicle contained a California license plate with the partial number 2C - K857.

One of the boy's abductors was described as 5-feet-8-inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds, with short brown hair, brown eyes, a thin mustache and a small birthmark on his neck. He was believed to be about 36.

The other was described as about 34, standing 5-feet-10, weighing 200 pounds, and wearing a blue baseball cap and black sunglasses.

Police said the victim is 5-feet-8 and weighs about 130 pounds. He has dark, short curly hair and was last seen wearing a light blue, long-sleeved, button-up shirt, a gray, zippered jacket and dark pants.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Corona Police Department at (909) 736-2334 or 736-2335.