California family kidnapping: video shows suspect leading tied-up victims out of business
Jesus Manuel Salgado, 48, is in custody in critical condition after attempting to take his own life prior to his arrest
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California police have released video footage showing the suspect accused of kidnapping a Merced family of four leading two tied-up victims out of a business on South Highway 59.
The Merced County Sheriff's Office on Monday announced the kidnapping of 8-month-old Aroohi Dheri; her 27-year-old mother, Jasleen Kaur; her 36-year-old father, Jasdeep Singh; and the baby's 39-year-old uncle, Amandeep Singh.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In the video, suspect Jesus Manuel Salgado, 48, can be seen leading Jasdeep and Amandeep out of the business with their wrists bound in zipties.
Salgado is in custody in critical condition after attempting to take his own life prior to his arrest.
CALIFORNIA FAMILY KIDNAPPING PERSON OF INTEREST IN ‘CRITICAL CONDITION’
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The suspect in the family's kidnapping attempted to take his own life prior to his arrest. (Merced County Sheriff's Office/ Associated Press)
Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke said during a Wednesday press conference that investigators "fully believe there's another person involved" in the kidnappings, though they do not have any evidence to support the claim. Police are basing their belief on the circumstances of the family's disappearance.
KIDNAPPED CALIFORNIA FAMILY: MERCED OFFICIALS FOUND MISSING UNCLE'S TRUCK ON FIRE
Warnke added that he does not believe the family's kidnapping was a hate crime. Salgado is "a robber" and "a thief," he said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jesus Salgado is in custody after the Merced County Sheriff's Office said he used a missing victim's credit card. (Merced County Sheriff's Office)
"He needs to be in prison," Warnke continued. "Hopefully we'll get him to communicate with us so that we can get this family."
Before the family was reported missing, firefighters responded to reports of a burning truck on Monday morning at the intersection of Buhach Road and Oakdale Road in Winton and discovered that it belonged to Amandeep Singh, the baby's uncle. When authorities and family members could not get in touch with either Singh or his family members, they were reported missing.
Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke said he does not believe the family's kidnapping was a hate crime. (Merced County Sheriff)
Warnke announced Monday there is evidence leading investigators to believe the suspected kidnapper attempted to destroy evidence.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CALIFORNIA KIDNAPPING PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY AFTER USING VICTIM'S CREDIT CARD
Salgado was apprehended after officials obtained video footage of him using one of the victims' credit cards at an ATM.
Aroohi Dheri, an 8-month-old baby, was among four family members kidnapped this week. (Merced County Sheriff)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities released photos of a potential suspect wearing a gray sweatshirt with black sleeves and a black hood, a blue surgical mask, dark-colored pants and dark-colored shoes and socks. The suspect is also considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Merced County Sheriff's Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7445.