Newly-released information details how Phoenix Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked together to rescue a Valley couple that was kidnapped from their home last week.
According to court paperwork, 39-year-old Tony Leshawn Jackson entered the couple’s home near 24th Street and Camelback Road around 4:30 a.m.
While in the home, Jackson allegedly forced the couple out of bed and into another room, where he bound them with tape and covered their heads with pillowcases.
When the husband told Jackson he could provide him with money, Jackson reportedly said, “We know you have money; that’s why we’re here.”
Police say Jackson lead the couple to their car, where he forced the husband at gunpoint to drive to another location. Once there, he transferred him to a different vehicle and released the man's wife, instructing her to go to the bank at 9 a.m. and withdraw $250,000 to secure her husband’s release.
Authorities say the woman contacted family about the incident, who in turn called the FBI. Agents contacted the suspect and began negotiations, according to the Phoenix Police Department.
A technical surveillance team located the car Jackson was in near 48th Avenue and Baseline Road.
Police and the FBI were able to arrest Jackson without incident and the victim, still bound and hooded, was rescued unharmed. Police said they believed the incident is isolated and not random.
Jackson has been charged with first-degree burglary, armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion.
