Hobbs Police Department (HPD) officers responded to the possible kidnapping of a woman at the Zia Park Hotel and Casino, 3901 West Millen Drive in Hobbs, during the early afternoon hours of Thursday, September 8. The female victim has been identified as Erica Martínez, age 35.
The male suspect in the incident has been identified as Jonathan Zaragoza. His age has not been given.
According to the HPD Facebook page, officers learned that Erica was “…forced into a silver in color Chrysler 300.” ABC Big 2 News reports that the vehicle, a 4-door sedan, “…has a temporary paper tag that expires in October 2022. The paper plate reads: 1-0-3-7-7-Z-9.”
Erica’s Family Spoke Out on Social Media
After the incident the whereabouts of Erica and Zaragoza were unknown, and the HPD turned to the public for assistance.
On Facebook Veronika Martinez provided information that helped with the search for Erica. “The guy is her ex boyfriend,” she said. “He may have taken her to Carlsbad or El Paso Texas. We are working with detectives to get her home safely please share, share, share this and if you see them or the vehicle call Hobbs Police Department.”
HPD Uses Surveillance Footage
According to a press release from the office of HPD Police Chief August Fons, the Zia Park Hotel and Casino provided video surveillance footage and screenshots that HPD shared with the public on social media, “which led to Erica’s identification”.
The press release also states that it was eventually learned that suspect Zaragoza “…was in the Carlsbad, NM area in the silver Chrysler 300.” With the assistance of the Carlsbad Police Department both Erica and Zaragoza were located around 9:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 10. Erica was found in good health.
In addition to Erica and Zaragoza, three other people, two women and a man, are seen in one of the videos shared on social media. No mention of these individuals is made in the HPD press release.
HPD Says Public’s Help Is Vital
HPD detectives are currently in the process of interviewing Erica, “and criminal charges against Zaragoza are pending the completion of this investigation,” states the press release.
The HPD is grateful to all who provided information about Erica’s abduction and assisted in locating her. “In these types of cases, community involvement can be essential in the safe location of the individual,” states the press release.
About the HPD’s position in reaching out to the public for help in finding Erica, Lori Egg comments on the HPD Facebook page, “As a victim of violent inter-partner domestic violence, I APPLAUD Hobbs Police Department for taking possibly ‘just a fight between lovers’ so seriously. It’s a SHAME to see people be so dismissive of such a thing.”
