³ÉÈËXÕ¾

MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Florida couple arrested after kidnapping a relative’s baby in Federal Way

Feb 29, 2024, 1:32 PM | Updated: 1:35 pm

federal way shooting...

Federal Way police vehicle responding to a crime scene. (Photo courtesy of ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7)

(Photo courtesy of ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7)

A Florida couple was arrested for posing as delivery drivers in a scheme to kidnap a relative’s baby in Federal Way.

Court documents obtained by ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7 said the couple told their relative to expect a delivery. When the mother opened her door to get the package, the couple allegedly zip-tied her, stuffed her 7-month-old baby in a red duffle bag and took off from the Mariposa Apartments in Federal Way. Court documents stated her cousin orchestrated the kidnapping.

More on Wash. crime: Darrington woman admitted to authorities she killed her 5-year-old child

The man also allegedly punched the mother in the face. The mother is still being treated for the injuries she sustained when they took the child.

Federal Way Police and the FBI found the couple with the baby in Eastern Washington three hours later, tracking them using the cell phone they stole. The couple — identified as 42-year-old Chun Ho Vincent Lai and 33-year-old Marly Ardila, according to ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7 — was driving their own vehicle with Florida plates when caught by authorities.

“This is a very unusual case, but when we see cases and allegations like this, we’re going to keep acting on them right away,” Casey McNerthney of the King County Prosecutor’s Office said.

More on Wash. crime: Maple Valley horse killed by gunshot wound, second incident last two months

The two suspects face kidnapping, assault and other charges. The couple could also face federal charges. They are being held at the King County Jail on $750,000 bail as of this reporting. They will be arraigned on March 7.

Frank Sumrall is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here and you can email him here.

MyNorthwest News

dick's drive-in orange ticket contest...

Jason Sutich

Dick’s Drive-In is coming to Everett

Dick's Drive-In will officially open its Everett restaurant on June 12, bringing beloved burgers to the community.

1 hour ago

palm springs fertility clinic bombing fbi...

Frank Sumrall

FBI: Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing tied to WA homicide

The bombing outside of a Palm Springs fertility clinic last weekend is potentially linked to a Pierce County murder investigation, according to the suspect's manifesto obtained by the FBI.

2 hours ago

black tesla pioneer square shooting...

Madeline Ottilie, ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7 News

Police search for black Tesla that may have video of Pioneer Square mass shooting; victim remembered

Seattle Police are searching for the driver of a Black Tesla, possibly a Model Y, that was driving in Pioneer Square early Saturday morning.

3 hours ago

memorial day weekend...

Nate Connors

Memorial Day travel: 40 million hitting the road—here’s what WA drivers need to know

Memorial Day Weekend is often referred to as the "unofficial start to summer," with an estimated 45 million Americans traveling over the holiday weekend—90% opting to drive.

4 hours ago

app for state or national park...

Heather Bosch

Heading to a state or national park? You may need an app

The U.S. Forest Service is asking park-goers to download an app for state and natioanl parks.

14 hours ago

...

Tom Brock

Suspect in fatal Sequim attack released

A 36-year-old Jefferson County resident is now likely facing a murder charge after the victim died in the hospital.

18 hours ago

Florida couple arrested after kidnapping a relative’s baby in Federal Way