Denver police have arrested two individuals in connection to a kidnapping and assault in which the victim’s finger was amputated. The incident began when the victim, an adult male, reported to police on Oct. 17 that four people he lived with had held him captive for two days, during which they assaulted him and amputated one of his fingers.
The victim managed to escape and informed authorities after a welfare check had been conducted at the location on Oct. 16. Police explained they were unable to fully investigate at that time due to a lack of consent or sufficient evidence to obtain a search warrant. After the suspects left the premises, the victim found his chance to flee and seek help.
On Oct. 18, officers arrested Jose Pineda-Morena, 19, and Darwin Veliz-Gonzalez, 34, charging them with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, and criminal extortion. Police are still investigating whether the incident is connected to gang activity and are working to identify two additional suspects. The Denver Police Department assured the public that this is believed to be an isolated case, with no ongoing threat to the community.
