Austin Police: [Immigrants] Held Hostage (AP via WTAW)

Austin Police: [Immigrants] Held Hostage
Posted by Chace Murphy
Thursday, October 20th, 2011

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Austin police have arrested a man after finding at least eight men they believe were immigrant hostages at a house on the city’s east side.

Fernando Sandoval Salazar was booked into the Travis County Jail charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bond was set at $100,000. Online jail records listed no attorney for the Mexican national.

Police Cmdr. Donald Baker says one of the suspected captives was able to call his wife in New York and tell her he was being held against his will for a $1,800 ransom. Officers arrived at the house Sunday evening and found Salazar, whom Baker said appeared to be in charge of the operation. Other suspects are being sought.