MIAMI – Police arrested a man who they say kidnapped a victim outside a downtown Miami nightclub after holding him at gunpoint over a money dispute.
At approximately 3:15 a.m. Monday, the victim was asked to speak with acquaintances outside of The Trip, located at 28 NE 14th St., when he was eventually coerced into getting inside a white BMW sedan after being threatened, according to investigators.
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Before ordering the victim to get in his vehicle, police said Arnolys Rodriguez, 28, of Miami Beach, told him, “Give me my $40,000. You’re not leaving until I get it,” the report stated.
The victim explained he did not have the money and was driven against his will to an unknown house, according to an arrest report.
After arriving at the house, police said Rodriguez pointed a gun at him and said, “Don’t do anything stupid,” the report stated.
Police said the victim was assaulted by Rodriguez and multiple offenders inside the house and one of the assailants threatened the victim with a heated knife sparked by a blowtorch.
After being held against his will, police said the victim managed to escape when the opportunity arose and sought refuge in a nearby building, where he called police.
Authorities said they obtained surveillance footage captured the victim’s escape and subsequent pursuit by two of the assailants.
Police apprehended Rodriguez, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Authorities confirmed he was found in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest.
Rodriguez, whose identity was confirmed by a witness through a photograph, invoked his right to an attorney upon questioning, detectives said.
Jail records show he is facing charges of kidnapping or battery while using a weapon and armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon.
As of Tuesday, Rodriguez is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond has not yet been determined.
Miami police said they will continue to search for other individuals involved in the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to call them at 305-603-6640 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.