Officers Rescue Mother And Child Kidnapped During A Cannabis Crackdown Operation In Napa County

NAPA VALLEY, CA — California State Parks police rescued a mother and child caught up in a carjacking attempt in the midst of a Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce operation in Napa County.

The kidnapping happened on Aug. 21 while state parks officers were dismantling an unauthorized set-up for siphoning off water, according to authorities.

An unidentified adult first tried to steal a patrol vehicle, then commandeered a car with the driver and the her 7-year-old daughter still inside.

State parks officers chased the car and recovered the child before arresting the suspect.

The suspect, who had already crashed a stolen vehicle, was wanted for arson, assault with a deadly weapon, and theft, a spokeswoman said.

State Parks Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division Chief Alex Luscutoff said the swift response and coordinated pursuit resulted in a mother being reunited with her daughter and a very dangerous individual being safely taken into custody.