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Vegas Kidnap Case Turns to Mexican Drug Probe

6-year-old safe after abduction linked to theft from cartel

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 20, 2008 2:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Investigators intensified their search yesterday for the drug-cartel kidnappers of a 6-year-old Las Vegas boy who was found safe on a city street. Detectives have distributed flyers of suspects they believe are linked to Mexican drug kingpins who likely ordered young Cole Puffenburger kidnapped to get even with his grandfather for stealing from them.

The FBI planned to talk today to the boy, who was found safe by a bus driver late Saturday, four days after he was snatched from his home by gunmen. The kidnapping alarmed authorities because it so closely resembled abductions in Mexico, where drug gangs grab kids, civilians and rivals. "It's a blessing this child has been found," said a Las Vegas police captain, who noted that Cole seemed to be "in extremely good condition."

Las Vegas police have identified Jesus Gastelum as a person of interest in the kidnapping of Cole Puffinburger.
Las Vegas police have identified Jesus Gastelum as a "person of interest" in the kidnapping of Cole Puffinburger.   (AP Photo/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police via the Review-Journal, John Locher)
Robert Puffinburger smiles in relief at news that his kidnapped son, Cole, was found safe in Las Vegas.
Robert Puffinburger smiles in relief at news that his kidnapped son, Cole, was found safe in Las Vegas.   (AP Photo/Las Vegas Review-Journal, John Locher)
Cole Puffinburger, 6, was found safe Saturday after a four day kidnap ordeal.
Cole Puffinburger, 6, was found safe Saturday after a four day kidnap ordeal.   (AP Photo/Las Vegas Policevia The Las Vegas Review-Journal)
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