Kidnapping suspect arrested after alleged victim jumps from moving vehicle
NOTE: The following article refers to the victim using non-specific pronouns, as authorities have not released information on their age or sex.
A Calaveras County man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping after his alleged victim jumped from the vehicle while the two were driving.
Around 6:30 PM on Sunday, May 10, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call about a verbal argument in rural Angels Camp. As deputies were en route, dispatch received a follow-up report that a victim associated with the previous call was at the local Shell gas station with injuries sustained by reportedly jumping from a moving vehicle.
Deputies contacted the victim, who said that 18-year-old Anthony Renato Mateo IV had ordered them into his truck at gunpoint after the two had gotten into an argument.
While they were driving on westbound Highway 4, Mateo noticed they were being followed by one of the victim’s family members. Renato allegedly pulled over and ordered the person to stop following them, then got back into his truck.
As Renato began to drive away, the victim jumped from the vehicle. The family member then picked them up and took them to meet emergency medical personnel and responding deputies.
The victim was ultimately transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Deputies caught up with Mateo a short time later and took him into custody on suspicion of felony kidnapping, felony assault with a firearm, felony criminal threats, and misdemeanor domestic battery.
Given the severity of the alleged crimes, Mateo does not qualify for $0 bail and remains housed at the county jail on $150,000 bond.
