Kidnapping In Hendry County

25-Year Old Man Arrested For Kidnapping Woman

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry County Sheriff's Office reports that on January 31, 2009 at approximately 2:07 a.m., Deputy Nathan Kirk of the Hendry County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a white Dodge Mini van with a Delaware temporary tag after witnessing the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through a red traffic light. 

When stopping the vehicle Deputy Kirk reported that the driver, later identified as 25 year old, Armando Hernandez, exited the his vehicle and it was at this point that Deputy Kirk noticed a Hispanic female exited the front passenger side of the vehicle and ran to the Deputy. 

It was learned through the assistance of a translator that Olivia Aburto-Espina had been taken against her will.  She explained through the interpreter that she had been calling for a taxi when the white Dodge Mini Van approached her in the parking lot. 

She had tried to escape Hernandez but he was able to force her into the van pushing down onto the floor board and punched her in the back of the head.  Aburto-Espino stated she remained there until the vehicle had been stopped by law enforcement. 

Armando Hernandez was then taken into custody, transported to the Hendry County Jail, and charged with Kidnapping-False Imprisonment, Damage Proper-Criminal Mischief, Petit Larceny, and Battery.  Hernandez is currently being held on $152,000 bond.