KIDNAPPING OF AMERICAN CITIZEN, RAMON J. ACIDE

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001273 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/ITA, DS/DSS/OSAC, DSCC, WHA/CEN AND CA/OCAS/ACS/WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KCRM PGOV KSAC CASC HO SUBJECT: KIDNAPPING OF AMERICAN CITIZEN, RAMON J. ACIDE ¶1. Summary. On July 17, 2006 at approximately 2100 hours, RSO was notified by Honduran police officials that Ramon J. Acide (DOB 09/26/89),a U.S. citizen, was forcibly taken from his car at a stoplight near the town of Villanueva, which is located 15 minutes south of the city of San Pedro Sula. RSO contacted Consul General and confirmed that Mr. Acide is indeed a U.S. citizen. The DS Command Center was notified of the situation and they contacted FBI Command Center. End Summary. ¶2. At approximately 1930 hours on Monday, July 17 Ramon J. Acide, along with his father and a friend, was traveling through the town of Villanueva in a white Ford pick-up truck. While waiting for the traffic light to change, a green four door, Nissan pick-up truck (no plate number nor further information available) came to a stop in front of the vehicle. Three masked men wearing ballistic vests and armed with AK-47 assault rifles exited the truck, pulled Ramon Acide from the vehicle, and placed him in the green Nissan. According to eyewitness accounts, the kidnappers fled in the Nissan and rendezvoused with a red Toyota 4-Runner. They transferred Acide into this Toyota, and both cars sped away. ¶3. At 2230 hours, the kidnappers contacted the family of Mr. Acide and stated that their son was being held for a five million lempira (USD 265,000) ransom. The family is currently working with police officials for the safe return of their son. RSO has learned that the family has only been in country for four weeks, but the nature of their visit is still undetermined. It is unknown whether the family visits Honduras on a regular bases, own property, or have relatives, associates, or a business in country. The RSO has been informed that the family owns a satellite installation business in Miami. Consul General spoke to the victim's father on July 17 and offered Embassy assistance. Father requested FBI assistance with the investigation. ¶4. RSO has been in contact with LEGAT San Salvador to advise him of the ongoing situation. LEGAT stated he could provide assistance to police officials if they requested and if the family wishes such assistance. RSO has passed the telephone number of the Honduran investigator in charge of the case to LEGAT. LEGAT stated that he will call and offer his assistance during this kidnap investigation. Once LEGAT assesses the situation, he will contact RSO and advise the next steps his office will take in the case. RSO and Consular are standing by to provide any assistance possible and to assist if LEGAT travels to Honduras. ¶5. Should you have further questions please contact RSO Lizzi. BROWNLEE