DENVER (KDVR) — An alleged kidnapping and robbery that resulted in a car fire was determined to be a hoax, according to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
On Oct. 24, deputies responded to multiple 911 calls about a car fire, including the vehicle’s owner, on westbound Interstate 70 near milepost 255.
When they arrived around 2:22 a.m., they saw a vehicle fully engulfed in flames and a man with clear packaging tape over his mouth and loosely restraining his wrists, according to the press release.
The man, Elvyn Yohel Ramos, was determined to be the owner of the vehicle.
Deputies helped remove the tape from his mouth and wrists before medically evaluating him and sending him to the hospital as a precaution.
Investigators identified the vehicle as a black 2019 Kia Forte registered under Ramos’ name.
Ramos told investigators that he had been kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, who put the tape on his mouth and wrists before setting his vehicle on fire.
During interviews, investigators began to doubt the claim due to inconsistencies in statements made to them, according to the release.
Several days later, Ramos filed an insurance claim, stating that the fire was accidental.
The final investigation determined that the vehicle was intentionally set on fire and that there was no evidence to suggest that there were any potential suspects or suspect vehicles in the nearby area.
Ramos was arrested and faces charges, including:
- Attempt to influence a public servant
- Third-degree arson
- Insurance fraud
- False reporting to authorities
- Obstructing highway or other passageway
The car fire forced law enforcement to shut down westbound I-70 for several hours, which resulted in significant traffic and detours.