Sheriff: Cocaine binge fuels kidnapping, shootings

EDINBURG — A man could spend life in prison after a cocaine binge fueled a violent crime spree, authorities said.

McAllen Medical Center released Hector Bueno Cantu after a homeowner shot him during a home invasion early Monday morning near Edinburg. Cantu showed up at a mobile home along Jasman Road, allegedly fired several shots through the back door and entered the residence and was then shot by the homeowner.

The 30-year-old suspect already had an arrest warrant on charges that he carjacked a man Oct. 15 at Doolittle Road and Farm-to-Market Road 2812, according to the probable cause affidavit in the case.

The victim in the carjacking, Rafael Garcia, told Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputies that a man he knows as “Teto” Cantu kidnapped him in his vehicle at gunpoint.

Cantu also fired a handgun at a passing motorist through the passenger side of the vehicle while Garcia was still being held, the probable cause affidavit states.

Garcia managed to free himself that night, deputies said. His vehicle was found the next day, Oct. 16, near 9 1/2 Mile North and Shary Road in rural Mission.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said investigators believe Cantu’s crime streak was fueled by an extended cocaine binge.

“We believe that these crimes were all drug-induced,” the sheriff said.

Cantu was charged Wednesday with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony that could send him to prison for life if he is convicted. He remains at the Hidalgo County Jail in lieu of a $1 million bond.

Criminal charges against Cantu in connection with the home invasion Monday are pending.

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Jared Taylor covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4439.