Man arrested for holding woman hostage at gunpoint

According to a criminal complaint filed by the Rio Rancho Police Department, Jose Hernandez, about 39, of Albuquerque was arrested for kidnapping, aggravated battery against a household member with a deadly weapon, abuse of a child and aggravated assault against a household member on May 22 at a residence near Southern Blvd. and Nicklaus Drive.

Officers received a call from a woman’s mother at the residence at around 11:45 pm. The mother said her daughter called her and said a man named Joe, which Hernandez goes by, was holding her hostage and that he may be back.

Officers performed a welfare check on the victim. When they got to the home, they called the mother for further information. The mother said her daughter had called that Saturday and said Hernandez beat her up. She had recently met Hernandez and they were just acquaintances.

She also told her mother not to contact law enforcement about it. The day police responded her daughter called and hung up. Then the mom called again and the victim twice said, “Go ahead. Call them.”

The mother asked the victim if Hernandez was holding her there and she said yes.

Officers asked her to call her daughter back and confirm the address. When the victim answered, she was talking to Hernandez about her kids and acting like she wasn’t on the phone. She disconnected and didn’t answer after that.

Officers secured the perimeter around the residence and attempted to make contact.

The victim then opened the front door and ran away from the home as she was frightened and fearful of Hernandez, who was still inside. She was then taken by EMS to the hospital.

When officers talked to the victim, she said she knew Hernandez through a mutual friend and only met him in person a few days before the incident.

She reportedly has a heart condition. Hernandez had agreed to help her out at her residence due to her having issues with some chores.

According to the report, the day of the incident they got into an argument about his kids. Outside the residence, Hernandez pulled out a pistol while she was in her car. He pointed the pistol at her head and then in the direction of his son, who was standing outside the vehicle. She exited the vehicle, and Hernandez hit her on the head with the pistol. Then he told her to “hurry up” and get back in the car with the kids and Hernandez.

She was able to record all of this on video, which were submitted into evidence.

She told police that Hernandez’s son saw all of this happen as well.

They then drove into Albuquerque to drop off the kids. It does not mention what happened to the kids after that.

Hernandez and the victim then drove back to the Rio Rancho residence. Hernandez had his pistol inside and was not letting her leave the house. She did not feel she had the ability to leave since Hernandez had the pistol and was being violent.

Hernandez reportedly barricaded himself from officers but later surrendered.

Kidnapping is a federal crime. Since Hernandez successfully kidnapped the victim, he could serve life imprisonment if convicted.