Arrest in Attempted Kidnapping and Auto Theft

Cory Michael Ahumada was identified by surveillance video of the theft earlier this week

A man was arrested Friday in connection with an auto theft and attempted kidnapping of two young children.

Cory Michael Ahumada, 24, of Highland, was arrested without incident at 7 p.m. Friday after Redlands investigators developed information that he was at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in the city of Highland.

Redlands detectives responded to the casino and contacted San Manuel security, who took him into custody.

During the investigation detectives recovered stolen property belonging to the victim. The stolen car has not been recovered.

Ahumada was identified as a suspect in the auto theft and attempted kidnapping that occurred on Sunday at a 7-Eleven, police said in a news release.

The victim parked her vehicle at the gas pump and left her two daughters, ages 10 and 2, in the vehicle with the engine running while she went inside to pay.

Security video footage shows the suspect approach the vehicle on foot, get in the driver's seat and drive away as the victim runs out of the store.

As the car was driven away, the 10-year-old girl grabbed her sister and jumped from the moving vehicle. Both children sustained minor abrasions.

Ahumada, who made a purchase at the business prior to the theft, was identified from surveillance video.

Redlands Police detectives received information indicating Ahumada had been seen in the city of Highland after details of the crime were posted to social media Wednesday.

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