A harrowing incident unfolded at a Miami motel where a transgender woman was held at gunpoint for ransom, authorities have reported. The victim, who has a speech impediment and other unspecified issues, was subjected to a kidnapping and extortion attempt by a man identified as Joshua Debarge Lucas.
The ordeal began on Jan. 14 at the Saturn Motel on Biscayne Boulevard, after Lucas, 34, from Opa-locka, discovered the woman he had just been intimate with was transgender, according to a police arrest report. The victim sent an urgent text to a friend, which led to a distressing FaceTime call where Lucas demanded $200, threatening harm if his terms were not met. Lucas, who during the call, revealed his affiliations to the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, and an accomplice, insisted the payment was compensation for being "disrespected," as Local 10 News reported.
During the video call, the accomplice indicated where the money should be taken, as one of the men brandished a firearm. Witnesses promptly took action, assisting authorities in their response to the distressing situation. The Miami police, upon receiving the information, promptly headed to the hotel location but initially only found the victim, with the suspects absent. Lucas was later apprehended at his Opa-locka residence. The alleged accomplice remains unidentified.
Lucas, in his arrest report, admitted his discontent upon learning the victim's gender identity. However, he offered a different narrative regarding the demanded amount, suggesting he had requested just $20 for an Uber fare. Despite his denial of holding the woman against her will, he conceded that his actions, following a reflection suggested by the accomplice, presented like a hostage situation, the report states. Currently, Lucas is facing charges for kidnapping with a weapon and threats or extortion with prejudice, and is being held without bond, as per Twitter updates from ElectionLegal.
— Pericles 'Perry' Abbasi (@ElectionLegal) March 5, 2024
