A crime initially reported as a kidnapping in Cottonwood took a few odd twists before its resolution.
At approximately 6 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received three calls about the apparent armed kidnapping of Virginia Ann “Samantha” Reyes and her 14-year-old son from the 2650 block of Village Drive.
The suspect, an unidentified Hispanic male armed with a shotgun — later identified as Charles Fitzpatrick — was reported by Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Media Relations Coordinator Dwight D’Evelyn to have forced the victims into a stolen gray 2016 Dodge Charger. A second vehicle, a silver Dodge Neon, was reported to contain two adult males and the victim’s son.
After noon, D’Evelyn confirmed detectives had located the missing mother and her son at a home in the 500 block of N. Broadway, Clarkdale. The Neon was found nearby. The stolen Charger was found floating in the Verde River a few miles from the Broadway home. The latter car had been rented by the homeowner at the Village Drive location.
“The incident apparently started during a dispute with Reyes and the 36-year-old female resident on Village Drive,” D’Evelyn stated. “A 2016 Dodge Charger had been rented by the resident from a Prescott area business and also used by Reyes. Reyes met with the resident and claimed the resident owed her money for the car based on a prior agreement. A confrontation ensued and Reyes claimed she became concerned for her safety due to threats from the resident.”
Reyes then called Fitzpatrick. He arrived in the Neon with Reyes’ son and another man. Fitzpatrick allegedly stole the Charger, pushing Reyes into the car before starting to drive away.
“The resident attempted to prevent Fitzpatrick from leaving by striking the driver’s window with a pipe, smashing the glass,” D’Evelyn stated. “Fitzpatrick continued driving and struck a man with the [Charger].
“The man fell to the ground with a non-life-threatening injury to his leg.
“The resident called 911 to report that Reyes had been kidnapped and her rental car stolen,” D’Evelyn stated.
Reyes later contacted law enforcement after hearing news reports that she had been kidnapped. She denied the kidnapping, but admitted Fitzpatrick pushed her into the Charger.
Reyes initially claimed no knowledge as to where the Charger was located. Fitzpatrick told detectives he parked the car near Tuzigoot, D’Evelyn stated.
YCSO received a report the car had been found floating in the Verde River. A rock was found placed over the gas pedal in an effort to aid vehicle acceleration into the river, D’Evelyn stated.
“Fitzpatrick admitted dumping the car in the river hoping the vehicle would not be found.”
Fitzpatrick was booked for felony vehicle theft, damage to property and endangerment. Reyes was booked for vehicle theft and hindering prosecution. Bond has not yet been set.
