A Federal Way, Washington man is set to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle following his indictment on kidnapping charges. Daniel Lopez, 24, was indicted by a grand jury on November 6, 2024, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Lopez faces charges related to the October 13, 2024 abduction of a woman from Auburn, Washington. The woman was reportedly taken at gunpoint from her home and later found safe in Guatemala.
Case records indicate that the woman's husband reported her missing on October 14, 2024, after returning home to find her belongings left behind. Witnesses stated they saw the woman leaving with two men, one armed with a firearm. This individual was later identified as Lopez through surveillance footage showing vehicles at the apartment complex parking lot. Traffic camera images helped officers trace a vehicle registered to Lopez.
Authorities tracked Lopez to Houston, Texas, where he was arrested on October 19, 2024 at a hotel.
The victim was located by immigration authorities in southern Mexico and subsequently transported to Guatemala where she has family connections.
Law enforcement continues efforts to identify any additional coconspirators involved in the kidnapping scheme.
Kidnapping carries a potential penalty of up to life imprisonment.
"The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations," it is noted. "A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
The investigation is being conducted by the Auburn Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case.
