Mall Abduction Victim Freed With Arrest Of Suspect

A man wanted in connection with the abduction of his ex-girlfriend outside Market Place Mall in Champaign has been arrested in Houston, Texas. The abduction victim has also been freed.

Champaign Police say that 19 year old Monica Ramirez' safety was secured with the arrest early Saturday morning of 25 year old Eduardo Guerro Cortez.

Police spokesperson Rene A. Dunn said in a new release that Cortez is being being held in Texas on a Champaign County arrest warrant for aggravated battery, with a bond of one million dollars. Dunn said Ramirez was being sheltered and receiving a medical evaluation.Police also located the vehicle used in the abduction, a 2002 red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with stolen Missouri license plates.

Dunn says Champaign Police worked with Houston Police and FBI offices in Champaign and Houston, and benefited from leads supplied by the public in their investigation.

Authorities are still looking for a second suspect who brandished a knife in the abduction, and may still be armed with one. Police describe him as a Hispanic male with short hair, last seen wearing a red shirt with blue shorts. Anyone with information is asked to contact Champaign Police at 217-351-4545 or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 and www.373tips.com.