Gunman Kidnaps 6; Forces Them To Drive Him Around Santa Monica: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — A homeless man is facing multiple charges of kidnapping after he held an entire car at gunpoint, took their phones and demanded they drive him around the city, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Police arrested 24-year-old Adrian Jose Dugas on suspicion of carjacking Nov. 7. According to police, officers got a report of a group of people holding Dugas down in the middle of the street in the 400 block of Adelaide Drive at 10:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, the group of six told SMPD they were walking back to their car inside a parking garage when Dugas approached them and appeared to be concealing a gun in a duffle bag.

"Dugas forced his way into the backseat of the vehicle and demanded the victims drive him around the city. While in the car, he confiscated their cell phones, made multiple threats to shoot the victims if they did not comply, and physically assaulted the driver and a passenger," Santa Monica Police Department officials said in a statement.

For about an hour, the victims drove Dugas around the city before he ordered all six of them out of the vehicle, according to investigators.

As they exited the car, one of the victims put Dugas in a chokehold and the others joined to hold him down until police arrived, police said.

Dugas is facing six separate charges of robbery and kidnapping as well as attempted carjacking and aggravated assault, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Dugas's bail was set at $6.4 million and his next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 29.

Detectives believe Dugas may have attempted an additional carjacking and are seeking additional victims. Anyone who may have additional information was urged to contact Detective Brian Spencer or Sergeant Ryan Gradle.