Police Probe Claims of Abduction in Indian Creek Alcalde Case

There are still more questions than answers tonight surrounding the disappearance and sudden reappearance of Indian Creek Alcalde, Marcus Canti.  As we reported in last night’s newscast, Canti resurfaced in the early hours of the morning yesterday after being reported missing since Monday. Police say that shortly after three o’clock, they received information that the forty-one-year-old had returned home safely. Initial accounts from Canti suggest that he was abducted by two men, taken into nearby bushes, tied up, and later released on the outskirts of Indian Creek Village.  However, investigators say they are proceeding cautiously as they work to verify those claims.  Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, ACP Hilberto Romero, told reporters that at this stage, Canti is only now providing an official statement to police, and as such, authorities are not yet in a position to determine whether the incident was a genuine abduction or possibly staged.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: “Police went to Indian Creek where he was found at a house in Indian Creek. He complained that he was in pain and had some small bruises. He was brought for medical attention and since that he has received treatment and now he has given his statement and that is being done at this time. We are carrying out a thorough investigation and so we will have all the facts when his statement is concluded today. So that is all I know at this time. Well we had several persons that were detained from Indian Creek. They were interviewed, questioned and released and then we have one more person and then he’s being interviewed likewise but so far no one has been charged and we will await that statement today and see where we go from there. Well if we have sufficient evidence to charge anyone it would be the injuries caused to him and kidnapping. Additional police officers are in Indian Creek monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation.”

ACP Romero says police are seeking to establish a clear sequence of events, ranging from a reported confrontation at Canti’s home, to his disappearance, and eventual return.  This round of Canti’s plight began unfolding over land he was distributing to Indian Creek Villagers, for which he had no authorization to do.  In a statement issued today, Toledo Private and Lease Landowners Limited welcomed Canti’s safe return but is calling for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The group also raised concerns about alleged intimidation within the community and criticized what it described as delays in the initial police response.