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Accused Kissimmee kidnapper arrested, officers say

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A tip from a Lynx bus driver led to the arrest on Friday of an accused kidnapper who was found at a bus stop, Kissimmee police said.

Gabriel Rene, 22, is a person of interest in the case of a woman who was kidnapped at gunpoint Wednesday evening at a Target store near Kissimmee, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office said.

"It's a very unusual crime for our community. (It was a) very violent and heinous crime," said Osceola County Capt. Jacob Ruiz.

The kidnapping was reported at about 9:30 p.m. at the Target on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, east of Kissimmee Vineland Road, deputies said.

"The suspect ordered her to drive to an ATM within the Kissimmee city limits to withdraw money and then made the victim drive for several hours around the area in an effort to locate other victims," Ruiz said. "The victim was then ordered to drive back to the original location (Target) by the suspect, where the suspect battered her."

Investigators said Rene, who is homeless, was arrested Friday on an active warrant on suspicion of armed kidnapping and armed robbery in unrelated cases.

The first warrant for Rene was issued in February after he was accused of kidnapping a man in February and holding him for 24 hours, police said.

Police said Rene is connected to two kidnappings near Osceola Regional Medical Center last month. They said they issued a warrant for his arrest weeks ago and were working with the U.S. Marshals Service to arrest him.

Rene has been named only a person of interest in Wednesday's kidnapping. Deputies said they need more information on Rene before they can say he's connected to the kidnapping.

Rene has a criminal history of domestic violence, battery and larceny charges.

Rene is being held at the Osceola County Jail without bail.

Police are asking anyone who has information on where Rene has been the past few months to contact crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).