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Teen kidnapped over Sony PSP
When resale goes bad
Perhaps exchanging used video games for an eighth their value in store credit isn't such a terrible idea after all. A 17-year-old lad from Utah discovered there's worse things than getting jerked around by retail after getting kidnapped in a PSP sale gone bad.
Utah police say the boy on Saturday was forced into the car of 21-year-old Jose Espinosa-Arellano and driven more than 20 miles against his will when the disgruntled customer discovered the Sony portable he purchased wasn't working as advertised.
Angered Espinosa-Arellano allegedly returned to the victim's house and demanded a refund paid in full - and that's where things get kidnappy according to the cops.
"They told him it's not our deal, we just arranged the sale for you," describes American Fork police Sergent Gregg Ludlow to KSL 5 TV.
The 17-year-old was then sent out to reason with the disgruntled man. During negations Espinosa-Arellano allegedly suggested they to go for a ride and the victim - apparently thinking he was in a video game himself - didn't have a major problem with this.
But when it became apparent the car was headed into Salt Lake City, the victim became nervous and demanded to be let out. While imprisoned in the back seat, however, he was able to text message his brother for help. His brother then notified the Highway Patrol to be on the lookout.
Eventually, the victim made a dash for freedom at a red light and bolted in to gas station for help. According to KSL 5, police say Espinosa-Arellano made comments to the victim that were "very concerning to the victim," making him feel "in grave danger."
Espinosa-Arellano was arrested and taken into Utah County jail. Prosecutors have not yet charged the suspect of kidnapping. ®