Man kidnaps 17-year-old after car crash
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) – A kidnapping allegedly took place after a two-vehicle collision Thursday morning.
The Grand Junction Police Department said it received a call about a possible kidnapping around noon. The victim’s grandfather told law enforcement his grandson, 17, was involved in a two-vehicle crash at South Fifth Street and Riverside Parkway around 7:30 a.m.
The other driver, an adult man, allegedly told the teen he would help him with a flat tire and drive him to a nearby auto shop, according to the GJPD. The man reportedly bought a new tire but then drove the minor around the Grand Junction area for several hours, law enforcement said.
“The juvenile repeatedly asked to be dropped off at his grandparents’ home, but the suspect refused,” according to police.
Eventually, the man allegedly drove the teen back to the original crash before leaving after the minor changed his tire, authorities said. The teenager came back home without injury, and a report was then made to GJPD.
Law enforcement connected the alleged kidnapping with a call about a swerving vehicle pulling a camper near Interstate 70 and Horizon Drive. The driver reportedly evaded police at first but a final traffic stop was made near 26 and G roads. He was taken into custody without further incident.
GJPD arrested 58-year-old Rex Schiesser in connection to the alleged kidnapping. He was charged with:
Multiple hit-and-run violations
Schiesser was taken to the Mesa County Detention Facility. GJPD said this was an isolated incident with no ongoing danger for the community.
“The Grand Junction Police Department urges everyone to talk with their loved ones about the importance of safety and the potential risks of interacting with strangers. Additionally, residents are reminded to contact 911 right away if they observe or experience any situation that poses a potential threat,” GJPD said.
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