Man Threatened To Kidnap Highland Park Homeowner's Family Unless Given $80K: Police

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park police arrested a man who is suspected of threatening to kidnap a homeowner's family member unless he was given $80,000, authorities announced this week.

Police responded to the 200 block of Roger Williams Avenue on April 28 after receiving a report of a threatening text message and a suspicious trash fire. According to the victim, a Highland Park homeowner, the text message included an attempt to extort $80,000 from them by threatening to kidnap and harm a family member, police said.

According to police, multiple threatening text messages were sent to the homeowner over the next few days.

"Highland Park Police utilized investigative techniques to determine the source of these messages," the police department said in a statement.

Investigators identified Eduardo Aragon, 25, of Highland Park, as the suspect and arrested him on Saturday. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office charged Aragon with harassment, arson and six counts of intimidation.

Aragon had his first appearance in court on Sunday and has remained in custody pending his trial date.