FERNLEY, NV – Law enforcement officials in Fernley have arrested a man who allegedly kidnapped and assaulted three boys at a local park, claiming ties to “the Cartel.” Guillermo Aboytes Saavedra, 23, is facing multiple charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and child abuse.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call around 6:15 p.m. Tuesday after a concerned sister reported that her brother was receiving serious threats. Once deputies arrived in the 200 block of Johnson Lane in Fernley, approximately 30 miles east of Reno, further reports were received from one of the boys claiming they were being held against their will in a crawl space.
Using cell phone tracking technology, deputies pinpointed the boys’ location. By 7 p.m., authorities had located Saavedra’s residence and successfully rescued the three victims. They found the boys trapped beneath the house, where they had been forcibly held.
Several of the boys suffered significant injuries, reportedly inflicted by Saavedra using a wooden rake handle and a scythe. According to police, the boys recounted that they were playing on swings when Saavedra confronted them, fists clenched. He allegedly claimed cartel affiliation and slapped one boy, threatening severe consequences if he were jailed.
Saavedra then coerced them to leave the park under the guise of taking a walk. He instructed them to act naturally and avoid eye contact with passing cars. Authorities say he led the boys down an alley and over a fence into his backyard, where further abuses occurred.
The ordeal took a disturbing turn when Saavedra forced one of the boys to record the beatings on video. Police stated that during the time they were held captive, the boys were repeatedly taken from the crawl space and beaten.
All three teenagers were taken to a local hospital following their rescue to treat the injuries sustained during their captivity. Saavedra is currently held at the Lyon County Jail, with a bail set at nearly $1 million, as the investigation continues.
This harrowing incident has left the community in shock, prompting local officials to urge parents to ensure the safety of their children and remain vigilant. Saavedra’s alleged actions have now put him on a fast track through the legal system, facing serious consequences for his purported crimes.