Alleged Kidnapper Arrested After Carjacking 55-Year-Old Woman’s SUV In Food City Parking Lot

El Paso Police arrested the man accused of kidnapping a 55-year-old woman during a carjacking outside a Lower Valley grocery store. 35-year-old Vicente Favela jumped into Blanca McDaniel’s vehicle as she was getting into it around 9:30 Monday morning in the parking lot of Food City at Hunter and I-10.

Favela told McDaniel he had a knife but never brandished it. He forced McDaniel into the passenger side of the vehicle and drove away but was followed by a police officer who saw her hanging outside the passenger door screaming for help. McDaniel said Favela hit her and covered her mouth when she started screaming. When Favela realized they were being followed he jumped out of the vehicle and fled.

Police found Favela’s cellphone in the vehicle, and tracked him down to his home where he was arrested Monday night.

Favela admitted that he took the vehicle to try and get money, and that McDaniel refused to get out of the vehicle before he drove off.

Experts say that if you are ever in a situation where someone tries to take your car, you should give it to them and avoid being driven away from the crime scene.

You should also be aware of your surroundings at all times as you go to your car even in a public place during the day.

Don’t get distracted by your phone, get your keys out before you get to your car, and get in as soon as possible, locking the doors behind you.

If you are concerned about your safety, ask a store manager to provide a security guard to walk you to your vehicle.