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5 Arrested After LA Man Kidnapped, Held Hostage For Drugs

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Five suspected gang members were in custody Monday after they allegedly held a man at gunpoint at his Los Angeles home.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports Gabriel Mandriaga was safe after a terrifying ordeal that began before dawn this morning.

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LAPD Sgt. Mike Flanagan said Mandriaga heard noise outside his home on West 56th Street, saw the gate ajar, and stepped into a life and death situation.

"He was approached by some individuals with a gun and he was kidnapped and taken to this location on Paloma Street, where they proceeded to rob him and beat him up," said Flanagan.

The suspects reportedly demanded Mandriaga give them either drugs or cash, but Flanagan said Mandriaga apparently had nothing to do with drugs at his home or any other location.

After threatening him for over an hour, the suspects dropped off Mandriaga blindfolded at 14th and Alameda. He contacted police, who raided the location on Paloma Street and took the suspects into custody.

The five suspects are now facing robbery and kidnapping charges.

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