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SALT LAKE CITY -- Formal charges have been filed against a Salt Lake City man accused of kidnapping three children he thought vandalized his car.
Juan Estephan Lopez, 21, faces three counts of child kidnapping for allegedly forcing the three boys into his car last month, and then calling the mother of one of the boys demanding $1,000 for his safe return.
Lopez allegedly told the woman he was going to keep all three boys until his car was repainted.
Salt Lake City police say Lopez walked out of his home near 1500 West and 200 South and saw spray paint all over his new car. Police say he and his 16-year-old cousin drove to Sherwood Park and found three juveniles they believed to be responsible for the damage. The two allegedly grabbed the juveniles and forced them into Lopez's car.
