Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06TEGUCIGALPA1273
2006-07-18 21:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Cable title:  

KIDNAPPING OF AMERICAN CITIZEN, RAMON J. ACIDE

Tags:  ASEC KCRM PGOV KSAC CASC HO 
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VZCZCXYZ0007
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTG #1273 1992119
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 182119Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY TEGUCIGALPA
TO RUEHSN/AMEMBASSY SAN SALVADOR IMMEDIATE 0964
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2693
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCNFB/FBI WASHDC PRIORITY
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


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