OAKLAND, CA - A man was allegedly kidnapped by two women at knifepoint. The victim told police that two women got into his 2018 Mazda near International Boulevard and 14th Avenue, pulled a knife and forced him to drive to an ATM and a store before taking his vehicle.
One of the alleged suspects is now in custody and according to authorities, the car has been recovered, Hoodline reported. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) said that the two women allegedly ordered the man to drive them to a Grocery Outlet on Broadway and then to an ATM.
There, officers said the man was forced to send $1,000 via Zelle and attempt to withdraw more cash. The suspects then allegedly left him barefoot in the parking lot and drove off with his Mazda.
Investigators later found the vehicle at the Palms Hotel in Oakland and lifted fingerprints from the car that helped identify one of the suspects. On June 17, 24-year-old Juliana Kriston of San Leandro was arrested and booked on kidnapping, carjacking and robbery charges. She has pleaded not guilty and was released after a court appearance under a stay-at-home order that limits her travel to court dates, attorney meetings and medical appointments.
The man told investigators he was out early because he wanted something to eat. According to court records, he initially hesitated to press charges, saying he feared retaliation. Detectives are still reviewing surveillance video and tracking additional leads. The second woman has not been publicly identified or charged. Kriston is scheduled to appear in court on July 17.
Detectives are still analyzing forensic evidence from the vehicle as well as video footage tied to the case. In court filings, Kriston reportedly described the encounter as a money dispute and referred to a second woman as only "Sara."
Prosecutors, pointing to the alleged use of a weapon and the taking of the car, have filed felony charges. Police said they are still looking for the second woman and are asking anyone with information to contact them.
Comments