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Phoenix police: Man, Tony Jackson, kidnapped couple at gunpoint and demanded ransom

Posted at 9:16 PM, Oct 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-28 09:41:55-04

A man has been arrested for forcing a Phoenix couple into a car at gunpoint and demanding ransom money.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, a man forced a couple from their home near 24th Street and Camelback Road and into a vehicle around 4:30 a.m. The suspect drove a short distance away, where the woman was released, according to Sgt. Vince Lewis.

The kidnapper, who was armed, demanded money from the woman or her husband would be killed. The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Tony Jackson, drove away with the male victim.

Authorities say the woman contacted family about the incident, who in turn contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Agents contacted the suspect and began negotiations, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Phoenix officers joined the investigation around 9 a.m. During negotiations, law enforcement was able to determine the suspect's location and found him in a vehicle near 51st Street and Baseline Road.

Police and the FBI were able to take Jackson into custody without incident and the victim was rescued unharmed. Police said they believed the incident is isolated and not random. 

Jackson faces one count of first-degree burglary, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of kidnapping and one count of theft by extortion, according to online court records.

A judge set his bond at $250,000 and he remained in Maricopa County custody as of Thursday night, online records indicated.