SCRANTON, PA – Scranton police arrested 20-year-old Cesar Rodriguez-Hernandez and a 17-year-old accomplice on Friday in connection with the armed kidnapping and robbery of an alleged rival gang member on February 22, 2025.
Details of the Crime
According to police, Rodriguez-Hernandez and several armed associates forcibly abducted a juvenile victim from a car wash on Ash Street. The suspects transported him to a South Scranton housing complex, where they stole his sweatshirt and sneakers and threatened to shoot him if he did not flee.
Surveillance footage captured four suspects forcing the victim into a gray Honda Accord at approximately 5:40 p.m. The same vehicle was seen arriving at the housing complex 20 minutes later.
The victim later reported the incident to school officials, who contacted law enforcement. During interviews, the victim identified one of the suspects from his high school and confirmed that a gun was pointed at his shoulder and face during the abduction.
Charges & Ongoing Investigation
Rodriguez-Hernandez is charged with:
Kidnapping
Robbery
Criminal Conspiracy
Unlawful Restraint
Terroristic Threats
Simple Assault
Theft & Receiving Stolen Property
