Union County Man Charged With Kidnapping Nearly Escapes Over George Washington Bridge

A Union County man charged with kidnapping very nearly escaped the grasp of Port Authority Police Friday.

Port Authority Police pulled over Luis Moreno Jr., 26, of Elizabeth, just after 8 a.m. on Friday for driving alone in the car pool lane near the George Washington Bridge on 1-95, the New York Daily News reports.

Moreno told Police that he had two passengers in the back seat. Police confirmed that two passengers were seated in the third row of the 2002 Toyota Sequoia and preceded to let Moreno drive away.

As the Elizabeth man began to pull away, one of the victims screamed for help and officials ordered Moreno to stop the vehicle, according to NJ.com. Instead, Moreno drove off only to get stuck in traffic, where he was apprehended by more Port Authority police officers.

After interviewing one of the passengers, Police learned that Moreno had told the two men that for a price, he would transport both passengers from Texas to Maryland, according to the Daily News. Once in Maryland, Moreno demanded more money. After the passengers refused to pay, Moreno kidnapped the victims and headed towards New York.

Moreno has been charged with kidnapping, criminal restraint, and parole violations, among other charges. Unable to pay the $1 million bail, Moreno is being held at the Bergen County Jail.

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