Adult Kidnapped At Gunpoint, Armed Kidnapper Nabbed At Gas Station
Photo: Shell station where Edwards was arrested
AZUSA – An “armed gunman” dispatch call led to a surprising twist. Officers responding to the call arrived at the Shell gas station located at 106 S. Azusa Avenue on November 6th at approximately 4:20 PM. They encountered a male adult armed with a handgun fleeing the scene.
Next, several Azusa Police Department officers sprang into action and stopped the suspect. The man discarded a handgun, then surrendered.
Without further incident the suspect, Andrew Augustine Edwards (28) of Azusa, was taken into custody. His loaded .357 Magnum Revolver was recovered adjacent to him.
A twist was revealed during the preliminary investigation when it was learned that the suspect had just kidnapped an adult male at gunpoint.
“The suspect demanded the victim to drive him to the Metro Gold Line train station in the 800 block of north Azusa Ave,” said AZPD. “Fearing the suspect was going to shoot and kill him, the victim complied with the suspect’s demands. As the two drove northbound on Azusa Avenue near the intersection of Paramount Street, the suspect exited the victim’s vehicle and ran into the Shell Gas Station with the handgun where he was later arrested.”
As a result, suspect Edwards was arrested and booked for Felony Armed Kidnapping. His bail was set at $100,000.
The anonymous male victim (37) of Azusa was not injured, nor were any employees or customers that were inside the gas station.
This incident is is currently being investigated by the Azusa PD Detective Bureau. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Mario Corona at (626) 812-3200.
In conclusion, Azusa PD urges everyone, “We remind you to please be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant.”
