SAN DIEGO–San Diego police have arrested Christian Fanua, 27, in connection with a series of kidnap robberies that occurred in the Gaslamp Quarter between August and December, 2011. Three other suspects were previously arrested in connection to the series.
In the series, dubbed the “Sobriety Check Kidnap Series”, the suspects would cruise the Gaslamp Quarter in the late night and early morning hours looking for potential victims. They preyed on intoxicated males found walking down the street. On several occasions, they identified themselves as police officers and told the victims they were “taking them in” for being intoxicated. The suspects would then place the victims in the suspects’ vehicle and drive them around the downtown area, in some cases for more than an hour. The suspects would force the victims to give up their cell phones and wallets, taking cash, credit cards and ATM cards. After forcing the victims to give up their ATM access numbers, the suspects would drop the victims off at random locations.
Fanua is currently being held on charges of kidnapping with the intent commit robbery. His bail is $500,000 and he is expected to be arraigned on March 8.
Detectives have identified eight cases the suspects are believed to be responsible for. Investigators also believe there are additional victims who have not reported their crimes.
The District Attorney’s Office and the San Diego Police Robbery Unit are requesting anyone who may have been victimized by these individuals or has information about these cases to contact the San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit at (619) 531-2299 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
