Suspect kidnapper eludes Valley authorities, carjacks two vehicles

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McALLEN — Police were still on the lookout Wednesday morning for a San Antonio man suspected of kidnapping a woman at gunpoint who carjacked two vehicles and led Rio Grande Valley authorities on a lengthy chase.

Moises Gonzalez, 28, abducted Maura Marroquin, 23, of Rio Grande City, about 3 p.m. Tuesday as she drove a black Dodge Intrepid near the intersection of Pecan Boulevard and Bentsen Road, McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said. Someone apparently shot into the car and forced her into a gold Toyota Highlander.

Authorities believe Marroquin was alone in the Intrepid when she was kidnapped.

Gonzalez was still at large about 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, said McAllen police Sgt. Joel Morales. Marroquin was believed to be with Gonzalez as of late Tuesday.

The two may have dated at one time, the chief said.

"This doesn't appear to be a random act of violence," he said Tuesday night, explaining investigators were still trying to determine the motive for the kidnapping.

Gonzalez eluded authorities immediately after the kidnapping but they later spotted their suspect in Brownsville on Tuesday evening and pursued him to Harlingen before losing him there as he headed west on Expressway 83, Rodriguez said. Minutes later he stole a maroon Jeep Sahara at gunpoint in a Wal-Mart parking lot in San Benito, the chief said.

Authorities from various law enforcement agencies throughout the Valley chased Gonzalez from San Benito to Weslaco before he carjacked a 2002 olive-green Volkswagen Passat and escaped, the chief said. Gonzalez was last seen driving east on Expressway 83.

"We have a very violent situation on our hands," Rodriguez said. "The crime scene is expanding and the danger is growing."

Gonzalez is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He has short hair and a light complexion and may be armed with a gun.

He has a history of burglary, the chief said.

As of late Tuesday, police were still searching for the Passat, which has a license plate number of R27KTM. The right rear side of the car has a dent and the vehicle has a bumper sticker that reads "No Border Wall."

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.