Luna County, N.M. – A 15-year-old Texas girl reported missing was located Friday evening in Luna County after New Mexico State Police arrested her alleged abductor following a chase on Interstate 10.
According to New Mexico State Police, the incident began around 7:46 p.m. when license plate readers alerted officers to a Volkswagen sedan traveling westbound near milepost 88 on I-10. The vehicle was reportedly tied to the disappearance of the teenager.
When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver allegedly crossed the median and eastbound lanes before crashing into a water-filled ditch. Authorities said the driver, identified as 20-year-old Kyle Steven Eckmann, exited the vehicle with the girl nearby.
Police reported that Eckmann threatened them, allegedly claiming he was armed while reaching toward his waistband. Officers determined he was unarmed and placed him under arrest after a brief standoff. While being escorted, Eckmann allegedly ordered the girl not to speak to law enforcement.
The girl was confirmed to be the missing teenager from Texas. She was placed in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, which contacted her parents.
Eckmann was booked into the county jail on multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault upon a peace officer, aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer, child abuse, and intimidation of a witness.
Authorities said no officers were injured in the incident.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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