Uhland police say a 17-year-old girl was discovered being held against her will and reporting she had been assaulted inside a home on Dustins Drive, leading to three arrests in a case that now has investigators looking for possible additional victims.
Officers were called out on Saturday after the teen's mother dialed 911, according to police. The girl was found with multiple injuries and taken to a hospital for treatment. Two adults who were at the home at the time initially refused officers' requests to verify the girl's safety and were detained for questioning.
Police Say Teen Found Inside Uhland Home
After entering and searching the residence, officers located the teen, according to CBS Austin. Hugo Velazquez was arrested at the scene on charges that include aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint, resisting arrest and interference with public duties.
CBS Austin reports that Maria Solorzano was also booked on aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint and assault on a peace officer. Police later obtained a warrant for the girl's boyfriend, Luis Velazquez, who was arrested on January 12 on charges that include aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault. The outlet added that police photographed booking images released by the Uhland Police Department.
What The Charges Mean
As outlined in the Texas Penal Code, aggravated kidnapping is normally a first-degree felony that can carry decades in prison unless the defendant proves they voluntarily released the victim in a safe place. The statute treats abduction accompanied by sexual abuse or serious bodily injury as aggravated conduct, which helps explain why investigators pursue kidnapping alongside sexual assault and restraint counts in cases that allege captivity and assault.
Investigation Still Active
Per CBS Austin, Child Protective Services advised investigators there may be additional victims connected to the Dustins Drive residence. The Uhland Police Department has said the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have not released a possible motive and are asking anyone with information about the case to contact investigators.
