Three arrested after kidnapping plot went wrong

By Trisha Maldonado
Douglas Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Monday, March 11, 2013 11:29 AM MDT


Three Douglas men were arrested last week after a kidnapping plot went very wrong.


Submitted Photo

On March 6 shortly before 1 p.m., the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a possible assault that accrued in a residence west of Douglas, north of Highway 80.

The Douglas Police Department reported that Francisco Parra, 35, was at the department saying that he and a friend went to an address on Southern Methodist Drive to look at a house.

Parra reported that once at the home they were assaulted by two masked men, who then attempted to tie them up.

Parra said they were able to get away, however, he did not know where his friend was. He said they had separated while running from the area.

CCSO Deputies responded to the DPD and interviewed Parra and then went to the house in question.

After a search of the home no suspects were located.

Erick Parra, 33, the second alleged victim, Francisco Parra’s bother, was located and gave the same statement that Francisco did and stating he ran through the desert to escape.

The circumstances of the reported incident led Deputies to further question Francisco Parra and one other resident, Gabriel Owen, 34, from the home was contacted and interviewed.

Deputies obtained search warrants for Francisco Parra’s vehicle and residence. CCSO located items that appeared to connect him to the assault.

According to Carol Capas, spokeswoman for the CCSO, the investigation revealed that both Francisco Parra and Erik Parra, along with Gabriel Owen, all of Douglas, had pre-planned to kidnap an unidentified Douglas man and hold him hostage.

“The three reportedly were planning to make contact with the victims’ family members and demand over $1,000,000 for his release,” Capas said. “When the victim was able to escape, Francisco Parra went to the Douglas Police Department to make it appear as if he were also a victim in this incident.”

The suspects in this case were all booked into the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division.

The subjects are each being held on a $500,000 cash bond for the following listed charges.

Francisco Parra and Owen were both booked on charges of robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, unlawful imprisonment, recklessly handling a firearm and misconduct with a weapon.

Owen is also being held on a $1,612 for failure to appear warrant on a separate charge.

Erik Parra was booked on charges of robbery, aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, unlawful imprisonment, recklessly handling a firearm, and misconduct with a weapon.

The investigation is being continued by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

Copyright © 2013 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Renee Bosque wrote on Apr 11, 2013 1:51 PM:

    " None of you have a right to comment about the parents of these men, Gabriel Owens' mother and father have been model citizens of Douglas, trying to, as you say, 'improve' the town. They have contributed to your children and the safety of your homes. His father being a firefighter and his mother a teacher, both working for the city of Douglas for most of their lives. It is said that the path of our children lives are in the control of their parents, but how many of you parents have total control over your grown children's life? "

    chimichanga wrote on Apr 9, 2013 10:17 AM:

    " It seems that we have someone "don't point a finger" who sympathizes with criminals. An INVESTIGATION is being continued and so far evidence has pointed to these three as the kidnappers. Even if they are found guilty it will not change your mind, you will still be a bleeding heart for them as I'm sure you are for all criminals. The citizens of Douglas are glad these men were caught. They deserve to be thrown in prison. If they tried it once already i'm sure if released they will try it again. "

    maldito wrote on Apr 8, 2013 11:08 AM:

    " Douglas is great and the people there are also great.in every town you see crime its part of life,so live on and smoke a bong "

    dontpointthefinger wrote on Apr 7, 2013 2:53 AM:

    " Ok then you tell us how it happend exacly! Because you know what exacly happend right? You knew what they were doing all along righ? Tell us tell us! Sowe can get the "facts" right... "

    Coastie wrote on Apr 5, 2013 1:18 PM:

    " Good Job C.C.S.O. Deputies!! Proud of our Law Enforcement officers in Douglas, truly Americas Finest!! "

    dont point a finger wrote on Apr 2, 2013 2:58 PM:

    " most of you people are so quick to judge when you dont know what exactly happened... its a shame how blindsided people can be. especially in a story like this. we dont know exactly what happened or how so why judge? it may say it was a kidnapping plot but how can you know exactly what happened just by reading this article and by what people say? the only way these ignorant people would know what happened is if they were there and apparantly they weren't because there out and about living their normal lives judging everything. instead of judging when they don't know the story, they should get their facts straight, and know what they are talking about!!!!!!! DONT BE POINTING A FINGER BECAUSE YOU HAVE 4 POINTING RIGHT BACK AT YOU! "

    another gets off wrote on Mar 25, 2013 11:09 AM:

    " story is there is not enough to make a case getting out "

    interested wrote on Mar 21, 2013 3:58 PM:

    " Parra worked for the State, he was employed and doted on by the new warden. He didn't work for some contracted company. He had access to every place at the prison. I feel for his family and pray for their safety. Will be interesting to see the outcome of this, I only wonder if "rabbit" was involved, another one of the new wardens pets. "

    not surprised wrote on Mar 19, 2013 10:08 AM:

    " That's right! What goes around comes around, and Those Parra Brothers Got it back around...They deserve nothing but to be Locked up! What Nerve...to take someone and Hold them up For ransom!!!! Not surprised they would do that at All!!! "

    So Happy wrote on Mar 19, 2013 8:29 AM:

    " I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear Gabriel Owen is finally LOCKED UP !!! and I hope he stays there and gets what he deserves, I have been waiting a very long time to see this happen. Was not able to prove his previous CRIME, but here it is. What goes around comes around. Thank you officers, "

    Telesa wrote on Mar 18, 2013 10:23 PM:

    " When I was 13 two dirt bags did the same to my mom and me and after 15 years I still remember like a terrible nightmare I was very lucky to be saved by our douglas heroes..
    I can only imagine what that poor man had to go thru I hope they get what they deserve.. "

    To SAM wrote on Mar 15, 2013 9:19 PM:

    " Thank you for being specific on what changes are needed to be affected by the people. I wish more people were like you. Keep up the good work and don't loose faith like others in Douglas who have just given up and let the scum control them. "

    Not Surprised wrote on Mar 15, 2013 1:24 PM:

    " These people are criminals, they should be treated as criminals. To think what they put the victims through. I hope they get what they Deserve!!!! "

    SAM wrote on Mar 15, 2013 12:42 PM:

    " Response: What am I doing to affect this change. I am contributing to society by working, paying my taxes and following the laws that govern a civilized society. What do we do to change society? It begins at home with responsible parenting. Educating what is right, what is wrong and what are the consequences in todays society. The child is most impressionable when they are young. For those who come from broken homes, this is where teachers and mentors should intervene (if possible) and guide these children to better themselves and society. Unfortunately our children's behavior is dictated by the main stream media and money. Ultimately we are responsible for our own outcomes once we reach the age of accountability knowing what is good and bad. There is no excuse! "

    chimichanga wrote on Mar 15, 2013 11:06 AM:

    " To "Saddened" you are right the families will suffer because of their loved ones actions. And they do need support. They tried to kidnap someone and hold them for ransom. As a community we have the right to criticize these men and their actions. We don't know the whole story yet, maybe the person they tried kidnapping was involved in illegal activity as well, we will have to wait to know. Nobody is blaming their parents, wives, or kids because yes they will suffer. Or on the other hand, these family members may have also been involved. Like I said, we will have to wait "

    Webster wrote on Mar 15, 2013 9:29 AM:

    " To Saddened: The word condemn means to disapprove or denounce and condone means to accept or approve. You lost all credibility when you couldn't use the English language correctly. Next time, just leave it alone, don't comment. "

    Saddened wrote on Mar 14, 2013 7:00 PM:

    " What has our community come to these days? It's so easy to criticize without knowing. This by no means is something I condemn. This act of violence and disrespect for human life is simply not tolerable. What led these three men to plan this, forever we won't know. And yes, the ones who are left behind are the onew who are suffering. Parents, wife, and kids. They are not to blame for the mistakes fo their parents. I do hope that instead of pointing the finger those who know the families of these men, find it in their heart to offer some type of support. Justice and God will serve them right, not us. "

    To Sam wrote on Mar 14, 2013 4:35 PM:

    " You said "We need to change as a society". What are you doing to affect this change? I am not implying that you are doing nothing,I think you need to be specific and tell all those in Douglas who do not want to or know how to think what they need to do to rescue their city from the 3rd world animals. "

    To Guard wrote on Mar 14, 2013 11:25 AM:

    " That is not reassuring he had access to keys, radios and the inmates.He also worked in the prison. Don't try to justify his actions. "

    SAM wrote on Mar 14, 2013 9:29 AM:

    " Morality, work ethic and integrity is no longer relevant. Greed, drunkenness, infidelity, depraved thinking, no consequence, no conscience and disregard for human life is the new religion. Progressive Regreessive thinking = Good is bad Bad is good. We need to change as a society. "

    guard wrote on Mar 13, 2013 9:00 PM:

    " parra was not a correctional officer. he was employed by another company subcontracted by the state. "

    Zooro wrote on Mar 13, 2013 7:01 PM:

    " DOC needs another good sting operation to get rid of all this people wanabees and corrupted that deserve to be charge and become inmates, DOC need to prosecute all dirty staff regardles... make them pay for their actions!!! "

    To Deaf Dumb wrote on Mar 13, 2013 1:52 PM:

    " I am sorry that you feel that way. You will always be a slave to the crininals if you allow it to be. Don't expect a knight in shining armor to come and rescue you. YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELVES. Two are stronger than one, so band together and take back your city! ! ! ! "

    chimichanga wrote on Mar 13, 2013 12:35 PM:

    " To "deaf dumb" that is why Mexico is the way it is: LAWLESS and CORRUPT. Is that how you want to live? They too turned the other way and pretended it did not exist now it has come back at them tenfold. By "looking the other way" you are just as bad as them. Douglas is the way it is because of people as yourself who are allow this to happen. If I see or hearing something I will report it no matter who knows. Here we have law and order. "

    deaf dumb wrote on Mar 12, 2013 9:36 PM:

    " We have to turn the other way and pretend we didnt say hear see anything.Because you cant trust anybody in general because everybody spills the beans.And you are afraid for your families because of retaliation.Its not that we approve of the crimes. We just cant do it. Thats why Douglas is the way it is and will continue to be.Or until someone comes here and is not afraid of the corruption. "

    rabbit wrote on Mar 12, 2013 9:07 PM:

    " kidnapping is SOP in douglas
    hundreds have been abducted
    many of them deserved it as-well
    levantons ,calentadas is an everyday occurance but people just dont report them "

    Disgusting wrote on Mar 12, 2013 5:03 PM:

    " Just another story of loosers who would rather take the easy way then to work for their money.I'm glad they were caught and I hope the Justice system gives them what they deserve. More fools that make Douglas look bad. "

    Another one wrote on Mar 12, 2013 12:27 PM:

    " Warfare bum... LoL. All I'm saying is people who work at ADOC in Douglas seem to be in the news a lot. I have a lot of respect for correctional officers but it seems that in Douglas these officers don't respect their badge. ADOC needs to do something about this. How many of their officers live in Mexico and work for ADOC? I recall a state law that states if you are a state employee you must reside in the state of Arizona. ADOC needs to go back to basics random drug test and improve their background checks. "

    chimichanga wrote on Mar 12, 2013 10:44 AM:

    " To "Concerned Citizen", nobody is blaming ADOC, however lately many DOC officers from Douglas have been arrested for drug smuggling either by DPD, Border Patrol, or at the Port by Customs. There have even been some arrested by Customs recently that have not been reported in the press because it wasn't released. And now this. Like I said it seems that many DOC officers from Douglas have been infected by corruption and crime. And i'm sure there are many many more. "

    concerned citizen wrote on Mar 11, 2013 9:46 PM:

    " Don;'t blame ADOCfor hiring scumbags that want to take the easy way in life. ADOC runs all the necessary background checks required. But you are always going to have people like this who were infected by the element that they are surrounded. Thank God we have law enforcement personnel who did an excellant job in finding the truth. Hats off to our men in uniform who protect us from people like this. "

    Benito wrote on Mar 11, 2013 5:55 PM:

    " Here is another example of the people from Douglas wanting to live like animals from a third world country. Kindnapping for ransom faded away in the 1930's in the U.S. A view cases lingered on, but kidnapping for ransom almost completly went away in the U.S. Kinapping for ransom never died down in Mexico. It has actually increased because of Narco-terrorism. Kidnapping for ransom is now on the increase in the U.S. All of it can be tied to the Narco-terrorists. This is what happens when you worship crime, drugs and money. As long as the "good people" look the other way, These criminals will own you and your families. Is that what the peolple want? "

    Resident wrote on Mar 11, 2013 5:49 PM:

    " And were do you work, Walmart or your probably a Warfare Bum "

    another one wrote on Mar 11, 2013 11:56 AM:

    " Another ADOC employee what can I say!!!!! "

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