Brownsville Man Arrested After Aggravated Kidnapping Incident

Brownsville Police responded to an aggravated kidnapping incident on March 30, 2024, after a call reporting the crime at the 4100 block of Westland Dr. The suspect, identified as Martin Severiano Vela (37), reportedly forced his wife into a white Chrysler 300 at gunpoint, threatening homeowners who tried to intervene.

Witnesses later spotted Vela and the victim at a Stripes store on E. Ruben M. Torres Blvd., where Vela had reportedly attempted to harm the victim at an abandoned property earlier. The victim managed to escape by driving away, with Vela clinging to the car’s hood until they reached the Stripes store. Vela fled the scene, prompting a pursuit by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers.

Brownsville PD took over the pursuit and apprehended Vela after he crashed and hid in a shed on Salvatierra St. Vela faces multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping, burglary, aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, evading arrest, reckless driving, and others. He was arraigned on March 31, 2024, and given a $212,000 bond. Vela also had two active warrants from Cameron County Sheriff’s Office.