A dramatic turn of events unfolded at a local Wells Fargo Bank last Thursday morning when a whispered plea for help revealed a possible kidnapping scenario. According to a social media post by the Ceres Police Department, bank employees were alerted to the dire situation by an elderly female customer, which led to the arrest of two suspects.
Officers were quick to respond to the scene at the Wells Fargo located in the 2900 block of 4th Street, meeting with the victim who was at the bank with 38-year-old Delia Kelly. The investigation revealed Kelly, alongside 33-year-old Nicholas Payton, had coerced the elderly woman into withdrawing a large sum of money. While Kelly was detained at the bank, Payton attempted to escape but was soon apprehended by police just a block away.
Upon locating Payton, officers noted an imprint of what appeared to be a firearm in his backpack. A search confirmed the presence of a loaded, unserialized rifle. The situation was exacerbated by the discovery that Payton was not only on active felony probation, but he also had multiple warrants out for his arrest and was carrying a controlled substance. The police department's social media announcement detailed that both individuals were placed under arrest, facing charges including kidnapping, elder abuse, and conspiracy.
Ultimately, the firearm-related charges levied against Payton include being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and, ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm in public, carrying a firearm alongside a controlled substance, and possession of an unserialized firearm. The elderly victim, fortunately, was safely released and has since been reunited with her family. As the Ceres Police Department continues its investigation, they urge anyone with further insight into this case to step forward and assist by reaching out to them directly.
