BALTIMORE COUNTY — A kidnapping incident that began at a Chuck E. Cheese in Warwick, Rhode Island, escalated into a police pursuit in Baltimore County, Maryland, over the weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, parents Sahaira Villanueva, 38, and Alexandro Legreat, 30, were reportedly visiting their two children, a 6-month-old daughter and a 2-year-old son, under supervision. During this visit, the couple left the establishment with their children without notifying the supervising caseworker from the Department of Children, Youth, & Families.
According to police reports, the couple entered a 2026 white Nissan Altima, registered in Florida, and traveled south towards Maryland, despite having outstanding kidnapping warrants.
Once alerted to the vehicle's location, Baltimore County Police began silent surveillance as the Altima proceeded along Route 43 towards Pulaski Highway. Authorities confirmed the vehicle's connection to the kidnapping case without activating sirens or lights, waiting for assistance from Maryland State Police Aviation.
As the Altima turned towards Earl's Road, the police followed closely. Observations indicated that the parents were moving around inside the vehicle, potentially accessing the center console. Police could not confirm if they were armed. When the Altima approached the area of 11723 Eastern Ave, Baltimore County Police activated their lights and sirens, but Villanueva did not pull over.
The vehicle eventually entered Gunpowder Falls State Park, where police anticipated a dead end. As the Altima turned around in the parking lot, officers maintained their distance, aware that the couple might attempt to flee on foot.
As Villanueva drove out of the park, police deployed stop sticks, successfully deflating the driver's side tires. Despite this, the couple continued their attempt to evade capture, running red lights and driving against traffic on Bel Air Road.
In a final attempt to escape, the Altima collided with another vehicle before Villanueva and Legreat exited the car, each carrying a child. They fled into nearby woods, prompting officers to pursue them on foot. A police K9 was deployed, biting Legreat during the struggle.
Legreat was ultimately subdued after resisting arrest, and both he and Villanueva were taken into custody. He faces charges including second-degree assault and resisting arrest, while Villanueva faces multiple traffic-related charges.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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