Watch CBS News

Surveillance Video Shows Apparent Kidnapping Of Susana Torres In Modesto

MODESTO (CBS13) — Newly released surveillance video shows the alleged kidnapping of a Modesto-area mother by her estranged husband.

The incident happened back on April 11. Family have said that Susana Torres was with her two young sons when they were allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint by Javier Chavez outside of Richy's Mini Mart.

Official News Release - April 22, 2021

*UPDATE - ON RECENT TORRES KIDNAPPING* Detectives are hoping to speak with any witnesses who may have been at the market at the time of the kidnapping on Sunday, April 11th between 5:35PM- 5:50PM. Please note that the time stamp on the video is not correct. If you may have seen Javier Chavez or Susana Torres at the market during this time, please call detective Summerton at 209-525-7032 or Detective Esquivez (Spanish speaking) at 209-652-1792.

Posted by Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, April 22, 2021

In the short surveillance video released by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, Chavez could be seen on camera leading Torres to the car and getting inside. Chavez appears to be holding something in his right hand as he leads Torres, but the video's resolution isn't clear enough to discern if it's a weapon.

Torres reportedly had a restraining order against Chavez after he also allegedly tried to kidnap her back in March.

Later in the night on April 11, the two children were dropped off at Chavez's parents' house.

Detectives now believe Chavez is in Mexico. It's unclear if Torres is still with him, but family has not been able to contact her.

Anyone who may have seen Chavez or Torres, or knows where they might be, is urged to call detectives at (209) 525-7032.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.