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VERNAL — Three men were arrested for investigation of kidnapping in Vernal early Sunday after one of the men allegedly became upset over a missing bandana.
Cody Joseph Alvarez, 25, Kevin Lainer Walker, 24, and Dylon Ray Smuin, 19, were each arrested for investigation of six counts of aggravated kidnapping. Walker and Alvarez were also arrested for investigation of altering the serial numbers on guns. In addition, Alvarez was booked for investigation of drug-related charges.
On Saturday, just before 11:30 p.m., Vernal police and Uintah County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a man being held hostage near 100 East and 300 North, according to a Uintah County Jail report. The alleged victim had contacted another person "via Facebook Messenger and stated that there was a large male subject with glasses and a gun holding him hostage" and asked the person to "call law enforcement and to tell them to hurry because he was tripping out," according to the report.
When police arrived, the man who had contacted the friend answered the door. He told officers that Alvarez had come over to his residence and "pulled a black pistol with a tactical light out of his backpack," according to the jail report.
Alvarez put the gun away, but later became upset that his bandana was missing, the report states.
"That is when Cody pulled the gun out again as he stated nobody was leaving until he got his bandana back," the victim told police, according to the report.
Three officers with their guns drawn did a sweep of the residence, according to the report. Alvarez was found hiding behind a shed in the back. A backpack with two guns inside, both with the serial numbers filed off, and ammunition was also recovered, the report states.
... Cody pulled the gun out again as he stated nobody was leaving until he got his bandana back.
–Police report
During a search of the home, officers found a 9mm pistol that was reported stolen out of West Valley City, and a .22 caliber pistol under a laundry basket, the report states.
When interviewed by detectives at the jail, Walker and Smuin each stated that Alvarez was upset about something, according to the report.
"Kevin stated he wasn't aware of Cody's intentions while at the residence but knew that he had been angry prior to going there," the report states.
Alvarez told police that he "went to the residence to hang out and while there, he believes someone took his sentimental bandana," according to the report. "Cody stated he never pointed the gun at anyone, but made it clear that he wanted his bandana back."
