NM father accused of abducting son surrenders
2-year-old reported unharmed after return to grandmother
LA MESA — Authorities say a 23-yearold father who was wanted after abducting his 2-year-old son surrendered Tuesday afternoon.
Doña Ana County sheriff’s deputies say Sergio Guadalupe Jacquez turned himself in at the main station. He was accompanied by his attorney, and authorities said he was cooperating with investigators.
Authorities said he was facing charges of arson, aggravated burglary, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, child abuse and battery.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kelly Jameson said Jacquez went to a mobile home in the 100 block of Powell in La Mesa, south of Las Cruces, about 1 p.m. Monday where his son’s grandparents live and demanded to take his son, who was inside sleeping. She said the grandfather refused to let 2-yearold Ethan Jacquez go so Jacquez struck the older man repeatedly, knocking him to the ground.
Then, Jameson said, Sergio Jacquez forced his way inside the mobile home, doused it with gasoline and set it on fire, completely destroying it.
“When the smoke forced the woman and the boy outside, Jacquez reportedly shoved the woman to the ground and took his son,” she said.
Jacquez fled with his son in the grandparents’ white 2001 Ford F-150.
Deputies worked with the New Mexico State Police to issue an Amber Alert, believing Jacquez was headed south to Mexico.
Several hours later deputies confirmed that the toddler had been returned to his paternal grandmother in Anthony. Jameson didn’t say where Ethan had been found.
“He is reportedly in good health and unharmed,” Jameson said.