Anza man found safe, not kidnapped as orignally reported

A 28-year-old Anza man who deputies originally said was kidnapped at gunpoint from his home by four suspects during an apparent marijuana robbery was found safe and unharmed, and no abduction actually occurred, the sheriff’s department reported Tuesday.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, sheriff’s officials said Spencer Hayes was “considered to have been abducted against his will” by three men and a woman who went to his home about 3 that morning and forced him to cut down some marijuana plants for them at gunpoint.

Sheriff’s deputies circulated Hayes’ photo in an attempt to generate public interest and assistance in locating him. But today, deputies reported that Hayes was found safe and unharmed and that he was never kidnapped in the first place.

Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Vasquez said the incident remained under investigation, with deputies looking into how the armed kidnapping report developed.

No information was released regarding the circumstances of how Hayes was located, nor was it clear whether deputies were still seeking the suspects for any alleged crime.

Vasquez said deputies were working to identify anyone who was allegedly involved in the incident, but could or would not say whether the four people were being sought.

More: Today’s Top Stories

First Alert Forecast

More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations

Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2

Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2

We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2

Watch live newscasts

Noticias en español: Telemundo 15