Alleged Kidnapper Flees Police, Ditches Gun In Creek

PETALUMA - Petaluma police detained a man Friday morning who allegedly threw a firearm into rain-swollen Washington Creek in Petaluma during a foot pursuit.

The suspect, Jake Tran, 26, and Alicia Lugo, 22, both of Petaluma, were wanted by Santa Rosa Police in connection with a reported kidnapping earlier this morning.

The alleged kidnapping victim, who knew Lugo, refused to answer any questions about the kidnapping or confirm it had taken place, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Josh Ludtke said.

Petaluma police Officer Paul Accornero tried to stop a car occupied by Tran and Lugo in Petaluma around 8:15 a.m. Tran ran from the vehicle when it was stopped in traffic and Lugo was detained a short distance away at Martin Circle and Ellis Street, Petaluma police said.

A witness said he saw Tran throw a firearm into the creek as he ran from police, and Tran was taken into custody on the Lynch Creek Trail, Petaluma police said.

Petaluma police and firefighters searched the swift moving creek by hand for 40 minutes and found a 9mm handgun in three feet of water where the witness saw the gun thrown.

Santa Rosa police arrested Tran for resisting arrest and possession of a loaded firearm.

Lugo refused to cooperate with the reported kidnapping and Santa Rosa police arrested her for evading and resisting arrest.

Ludtke said the kidnapping investigation began around 3:25 a.m. when a man reported his son was kidnapped and was being held for ransom. The father said he believed his son was being held hostage in his car.

Sonoma County law enforcement officers searched for the vehicle, which was found later by Petaluma police occupied by Lugo and Tran.

The alleged kidnapping victim, who was near the Bodega Market in Petaluma, called his family and requested a ride.

He was taken to the Santa Rosa Police Department where he refused to answer questions or confirm the kidnapping happened, Ludtke said.

-Bay City News