FBI Tactical Team Rescues Kidnapped Teen from California Motel

An FBI tactical team rescued a 17-year-old boy who was kidnapped and held for ransom in a motel in Santa Maria, California. Three suspects were arrested and charged with kidnapping. The victim's mother received demands for a $500,000 ransom, which was later reduced to $100,000. The FBI tracked down the suspects through a telephone number associated with their vehicle, and a cell-site simulator was used to locate their phone at the motel. The SWAT team entered the motel room and rescued the teenager without any shots fired. All three defendants admitted to their involvement in the abduction.